Advertising banners branded ugly by a conservation group will continue to hang from lampposts in Brighton and Hove.

A row over the banners in West Street, Old Steine, London Road and other parts of the city broke out in April when the council was accused of flyposting.

City councillors have granted planning permission for three banners in West Street and nine banners in Richmond Place, Grand Parade and Malborough Place, Brighton, used to promote attractions like the Brighton Festival and other major events.

An application for the remaining 48 banners in the Old Steine, Queen's Road, London Road and King's Road will be considered on June 8.

High-profile locations have been chosen so the banners are immediately visible to tourists and visitors arriving by car or train.

oncerns had been raised by residents the signs would clutter the streets, affect the character of the Old Town conservation area and distract drivers - but local businesses were in support.

Miles Bingham, of Family Investments, in West Street, said: "The street suffers from a bit of a bad image because of the nightclubs and fast food places. It is fairly grey and these banners help lighten it up."

But Selma Montford, of the Brighton Society, said: "It is very sad the banners have got planning permission. There is enough clutter with lights and so on and this is just going to add to it."

The application for banners in Richmond Place, Grand Parade and Malborough Place was approved on the condition the council ensured there were no black rubbish bags left in the streets.

Tory councillor Carol Theobald, vice-chairwoman of the planning committee said: "It is terrible there are so many black bags left out every day.

"These roads are the gateway to the city so if we are going to have these banners up, we shouldn't have rubbish lying around near them."

27 May, 2005