PLANS for signs promoting a popular farmers market which showcases local produce have been thrown out by council bosses.

Marks Tey Market, organised by Prestige County Events Ltd, takes place at Marks Tey Parish Hall every month.

The always well-attended event offers a range of farm goods from local farms and boasts a range of artisan stalls and street food.

Prestige County Events Ltd recently sought planning permission to put up two seperate boards advertising the dates and location of future markets.

It was suggested the promotional material would face the opposite direction to traffic in Coggeshall Road, just before the Church Lane junction, until September 30.

Despite National Highways and Marks Tey Parish Council having no objections to the plans, Colchester Council has now refused them.

A spokesman for the authority said: “The National Planning Policy Framework states permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions.

“The proposed advertisement board is considered to be discordant with its context and fails to enhance the character, quality and function of the area due to its dominance caused by its size, scale, location and proximity to the highway.”

An objecting member of the public also raised concerns over the proposals.

They said: “The placement of the hoarding in the farmer’s field would be a major visual distraction for drivers, which could potentially lead to accidents on the busy road.”