Plans for an “excessive” advertising LED setup have been refused due to fears of overstimulation for people with visual processing difficulties.
The plans, put forward by Banner Holdings, would have seen five LED screens across several floors of the building at 39 Charing Cross, displaying static advertising images.
Speaking to the Westminster City Council planning sub-committee, objector Michael Riley said that the LED lights could be overstimulating for people with visual processing difficulties.
LED screens are often a preferred method for DOOH applications, offering high-brightness, with vibrant and dynamic visuals in high-brightness environments.
The plans were supported by the local ward councillor for St James’s, Louise Hyams, saying that the LED strips were in the centre of London’s entertainment district, however the advertising was described as being on an “excessive scale” by a council case officer.
Speaking to the Westminster City Council planning sub-committee, objector Michael Riley said that the LED lights could be overstimulating for people with visual processing difficulties.
Riley said: "Leicester Square shouldn't become a no-go zone for people like me and there's thousands of us – people like us – who cannot stand the overstimulation.”
The chair of the sub-committee, Patrick Lilley, said that the LED screens “would be more fitting for Disneyland Paris".
Permission was ultimately refused by the sub-committee.
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