Sheffield Council threatens legal action against shop over '˜garish' Union flag

Sheffield Council says Cake R’ Us on Devonshire Street did not have planning consent to paint the flag on the Grade II-listed building.

Councillors are to consider what enforcement action to take at a meeting next Tuesday, with officers asking for authorisation to force the ‘repainting of the shop front in a colour scheme that is more in keeping with the original 19th century characteristics’.

It follows a complaint about the shop frontage by a council conservation officer.

A council report said: “The Union flag theme that has been applied to the shop front is considered to be visually intrusive and does not respect the original character of the property to which it is attached.

“Whilst the need of the business to advertise its presence and attract custom is recognised, this shop front has a deep fascia and projecting sign for these purposes, and there is no justification for garish and unsympathetic painting of the shop front to serve this purpose.”

Owner David Chan told the BBC he had painted the shop in an ‘act of national pride’. He said: “It’s the Union Jack. I do not see why it needs to be changed. I support Queen and country.”

Mr Chan said he would ‘write to the Queen’ if the council takes legal action.