UPDATE: '˜No plans' to change Ropetackle signage, business centre confirms

The centre controversially replaced the ‘Ropetackle’ lettering with ‘Basepoint’ on the north and east towers in 2014.

Following widespread objection over the loss of the Ropetackle name, it gained permission in February for a compromise solution, adding ‘@Ropetackle to the tower.

The latest application, to be considered by Adur planning committee on August 3, could technically allow the firm to remove the @Ropetackle part of the signage.

But despite this, centre manager Roxanne Haid said the application was effectively drawing a close to the process and no changes were planned.

She said: “The application is related to the original request in October 2014 which was never processed and the application remains pending. We have asked the application to be duly processed and closed.

“I want to make it clear it is not our intention to replace the current signage. We have been advised by the planning offices it is going to be recommended for approval.”

The application has caused confusion amongst residents, some of whom fear Basepoint could go back on its compromise solution.

Adur District Council’s planning committee confirmed the application would technically give them the option to remove the @Ropetackle lettering.

It said the simplest option would have been for Basepoint to withdraw the application – which is identical to the initial retrospective application submitted before the compromise solution was reached.

But instead the firm has insisted it wants the outstanding plans determined.

Officers have recommended approval, on the grounds the potential change is not unacceptable according to advertisement guidelines.

Nearly 100 objections were received in response to the application, with residents disappointed over the loss of the Ropetackle name.