Tanning salon ordered to remove 'offensive' window display of a sunbathing woman

A tanning salon boss who was forced to remove an 'offensive' display of a woman sunbathing has challenged the decision.

In August 2022, Jim Cole - owner of Malibu Tanning Lounge in Market Harborough, Leicestershire - paid £700 to have the large image featuring a bikini-clad model on the beach across the shop window to provide privacy.

Before the screen was installed, Cole said he noticed 'builders and other people gawping at the girls inside'.

So the screen was installed for privacy, but Cole was left stunned after council officials visited his business to say there had been complaints over the display.

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The owner was also told that he would need planning permission for the sign, but Harborough District Council then refused a retrospective application on the grounds that the screen impacts the character and appearance of the area.

After that failed attempt, Cole has gone to the Planning Inspectorate - which will decide the fate of the sign.

While the local council may not be supportive, Cole revealed that he has the support of other salons who have questioned the decision taken by Harborough District Council.

Cole said: "I completely understand the complaint that two people found the shop front offensive but they asked me to remove it because they don't like the brightness in the conservation area.

"But if you go in to the town centre there are big bright yellow and green displays.

"Is it because it's a lady on the beach or is it because it's colourful?

"If its okay for the council to put a big colourful thing up why is it not for me?"

He continued: "The Co-op put big glasses of wine on theirs and some people might argue that that's offensive.

"I've had no calls or emails complaining about it - if anything it's been the complete opposite; from clients that pop in or walk by who just say the whole thing is ridiculous.

"I've even had my competition turning around and saying 'what are they talking about?'"

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Cole admitted that he didn't apply for planning permission because he didn't know it was required.

He added that if the planning permission is rejected, then he will have to move the shop around which would 'cost me thousands of pounds'.

A council spokesperson said: "The council is aware of the planning appeal which will be decided by a government planning inspector.

"The inspector will decide if the council's concerns about the impact to Market Harborough conservation area and town centre are well-founded.

"The applicant submitted a planning application and this was duly assessed against the Harborough Local Plan, Supplementary Planning Document and the National Planning Policy Framework."