A RINGWOOD supermarket can keep two huge new signs installed at the front of the building, planners have decided.

New Forest District Council had refused to grant 'express consent' for the welcome signs at Sainsbury's in Meeting House Lane. However, officials from the Planning Inspectorate have granted the chain's appeal, meaning the two panel signs can stay put.

The council had objected on the grounds that the signs failed to 'preserve or enhance the character or appearance' of Ringwood's conservation area.

Benjamin Webb of the Planning Inspectorate made a visit to the supermarket on August 5.

He said the specified conservation area covers the Grade II-listed Meeting House, which stands near Sainsbury's, but didn't agree that the signs were detrimental.

"I conclude that the advertisements are not harmful to amenity, and in this regard they preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area and cause no harm to the setting to the adjacent listed building." he said.