PLANS for an illuminated totem sign at a car dealership have been given the green light as it was ruled it would "not cause a distraction" for motorists.

The Star reported earlier this year after Acorn Motor Group, an award-winning dealership with car garages across the country, announced it was launching a premises on Jackson Street at the former Middlehurst garage.

This was as Andy Middlehurst and son Chris, both successful racing drivers, launched a new classic car business, called 'Middlehurst Road Race and Classic'. The family's bespoke new showroom and workshop is next to their former garage on Jackson Street, which has been passed on to Acorn Motor Group.

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Acorn had said it is the only site in St Helens to sell new Kia vehicles, and will sell a variety of used and pre-loved cars. The business also offers servicing and repair works.

Signage has been installed at the site, which launched in April.

The Kia dealership on Jackson StreetThe Kia dealership on Jackson Street (Image: Acorn)

A planning application has since been submitted to council planners by Acorn for an illuminated Kia totem sign at the premises.

Consent was sought for a sign of 4.862m in height, 1.415m in width and a depth of 0.2m.

In a report, planning officer Julie Hine wrote: "The proposed signage would be seen in context with the application site’s intended commercial use, as well as with the wider commercial and industrial uses. Whilst the proposed sign will be illuminated, it would be of static illumination and is of a small-scale size".

It was added it is considered "that the proposed signage would not cause a distraction or hazard to drivers and would not have a severe impact on public safety".

Advertisement consent was granted for the illuminated sign.