PRIMARK could be forced to tear down branding above the front door of its new store, just five months after opening.

Council officers were furious to find an unauthorised sign erected on the refurbished BHS store in November last year.

The store branding, on the first floor facing Broad Street, does not have planning permission and officers will tell the store they have to take it down.

The store quickly submitted proposals to keep the sign when they released there was no permission but two applications were shot down by the council.

A report by Jonathan Markwell before the council's planning committee reads: "Both applications were refused in December 2016 for failing to respect the host building and wider street-scene. Appeals against these refusals were lodged in the days after the decisions were issued."

Now the panning inspector has backed up the council and ruled the errant signage is not appropriate.

"It would create a discordant appearance to the façade of the building and, because it already stands out in the street-scene, the effect would be obtrusive and incongruous," he said.

"The proposal would be disharmonious with the character and appearance of the area given the general absence of upper floor advertisements."

Giorgio Fratmalicco, head of planning, said: "This is a pleasing decision.

"Our planning enforcement team will now seek to take the necessary action to remove the unauthorised signage."

A Primark spokesman said: "We look forward to meeting with the Borough planning officials in due course with a view to reaching a mutually agreed solution."