Harborough Tanning Salon Ordered To Remove ‘Offensive’ Images From Window

A tanning salon in Market Harborough has been ordered to remove images from the front window after complaints they are ‘offensive’.

The owner of Malibu Tanning Lounge on Coventry Road has branded the decision by Harborough District Council ‘ridiculous’ and is to appeal it.

The business opened last October and it’s understood two complaints were made about the graphics, one of which is of a woman sunbathing on a beach.

Pic: Malibu Tanning Lounge

The Council has refused a retrospective application for display advertisement consent, saying the graphics adversely affect the character and appearance of the area.

Jim Cole, Owner of Malibu Tanning, told HFM: “We were shocked that the application was denied for our shop front covering.

“This creates not only privacy for our staff sand clients but also safety.

“It is ridiculous and the Council are really making it hard for small businesses.

“We will be appealing the decision but the worst case scenario would be to have to remove one of our stand up tanning beds which is currently behind our covered window, which would stop us creating revenue in our town.

“The Council don’t seem to be supporting small local business.”

The refusal notice from the District Council reads: “The three window graphic signs due to the scale, siting and colour adversely affect the character and appearance of the existing shop frontage, building and conservation area”

A spokesperson for Harborough District Council added: “The refusal notice highlights a concern that the advertisement detracts from Market Harborough Conservation Area.”

Pic: Malibu Tanning Lounge