Town planners have thrown out plans for an old Newbury pub to change its name – so the brewery’s put up the signs anyway.

The former Robin Hood pub in London Road has installed new signage to the early 19th century listed building, despite being refused permission by West Berkshire Council.

Signs for the Toby Pub and Carvery, as it is now called, appeared after planners said the application would “harm the special architectural character” of the pub.

The move follows a string of clashes over signage – Starbucks, Caffe Nero and Gordons all put up signage or awnings without permission – while Ann Summers said it will open next week, although it too is awaiting planning consent.

New cinema close to Newbury

Newbury’s proposed new cinema is about to get some extra competition from Andover, newbury.net can reveal.

Local councillors are debating a plan this week to allow Asda and Curzon Cinemas to build a new four screen multiplex and superstore on the edge of town.

The deal requires no public subsidy, and could be complete by next summer. The plan has widespread public support, and if approved would be half a mile closer to Newbury than the Vue multiplex in Reading’s Oracle Centre.

Council says no to office conversion

West Berkshire Council has risked the wrath of its landlords after throwing out plans to turn its West Street offices into 45 flats. The offices are home to more than 100 social workers and education officials, and the council has a lease until 2009. But with a glut of empty Vodafone offices in town, the landlord wants to convert them to flats. However, planners said it was too much.

New shop unveiled

Further to our story last week, the new fashion boutique opening in the old Knickerbean shop in Bartholomew Street will be called the Naseby Collection.

The shop opens this Friday, and will be a welcome addition after some of the most difficult trading conditions in a decade.