Burgess Hill KFC sign branded ‘disgraceful’

Standing eight metres high, the Kentucky Fried Chicken sign ‘blights’ The Martlets shopping centre – according to some Middy readers.

Rupert Browning said: “I am writing to protest in strongest possible terms at this huge permanent sign that blights The Martlets shopping centre.

“I am very surprised planning consent was given for this!”

Permission for the sign was granted by Mid Sussex District Council in November 2014 with a recommendation of approval from Burgess Hill Town Council.

The sign features the chain’s logo with an arrow pointing to the food outlet in Market Place.

Patricia Rykeil added her objections. She said: “Have you seen the dreadful new sign in Burgess Hill Martlets carpark. It’s awful. It’s giant. It needs to come down.”

Martin Gillam, of Vale Bridge Road, wrote a letter of objection to the district council after plans were submitted in October.

Mr Gillam said: “I for one do not wish the first thing vehicle visitors to Burgess Hill see being a Kentucky Fried Chicken Pylon sign, not the image I would wish Burgess Hill to portray. If you are to grant this application then what is to stop every tenant of the shopping centre from doing the same leading to even greater damage to the areas appearance of Burgess Hill.”

A spokesman for KFC said: “We always strive to be a positive addition to the local community so we’re sorry to hear about this. Just like other businesses in the park, we were granted planning permission to erect a sign nearby our restaurant, and we did this within the council and landlord’s regulations.”