Dundee councillors have heeded a plea to prevent an eight-foot illuminated advertising sign from being put up outside the new entrance to Duncan of Jordanstone College.
Advertising company Clear Channel wanted planning permission for the sign in front of the Matthew Building in Perth Road, which was upgraded this year as part of a £2.8 million refurbishment.
The glass-fronted entrance is meant to make the art and design college more welcoming and easier to navigate for visitors.
Council planning officers had recommended approval, pointing out that the sign would be a replacement for one that had been sited a short distance away but was removed to make way for the new entrance.
They reckoned the sign which would be used to display advertising posters would have a “minimal visual impact” on the college and the surrounding streetscape.
However, a university official said: “We think this design is not appropriate outside our entrance.
“It begs the question: would a similar sign be approved outside DCA or the V&A, and I would suggest it would not.”
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson said the college had made a “splendid job” of its entrance and the sign would be more appropriate outside commercial premises.
The development management committee voted 20 to two to reject the application.