Ads ban but screen stays on historic hall; PLANNING: Chiefs can't prevent scaffolding and bricks image on Central Hall.

Byline: By Neil Elkes

THE owner of a historic city centre building has been banned from hanging adverts from its ornate Victorian brickwork after admitting no improvement work will be carried out for a year.

But while city planning chiefs banned commercial adverts they were powerless to prevent the at risk Central Methodist Hall in Corporation Street remaining covered in scaffolding and a screen showing a brickwork image.

It follows claims that the owner has done no work since first securing temporary permission for advertising in 2005 and simply wants to receive advertising income. There have been no adverts since planning consent expired in January.

An investigation by planning officials found no evidence of work being done to the grade II listed building but they say the developer, Nash Bains, wants to start external repairs after January 2010.

Planning officer Neal Allcock said: "I consider the developer has failed to provide details of the timing of proposed works and therefore any justification for the continued display of commercial banners."

Coun Mike Sharpe (Lab, Tyburn), who led calls for the investigation, said: "I can't believe we were considering allowing this when no work is being done until 2010."

But members of the planning committee were frustrated that they could not order the removal of scaffolding and the screen without a court order.

Coun Ernie Hendricks (Lib Dem, Moseley and Kings Heath) added: "What evidence do we have that the work will begin next year? They could have the scaffolding up indefinitely. I would like to see a schedule of works that we can hold them to."

The owner's agent, Signature Outdoor Ltd, claimed at an earlier committee hearing that initial plans to convert the building into luxury flats had been changed due to the economic downturn, leading to the delays.

The Central Hall, built in 1903, is on the English Heritage buildings at risk register.

CAPTION(S):

Coun Mike Sharpe.; The screened off Central Methodist Hall and (right) adverts hung on the walls.