Restaurant can fly flags

FLAGPOLES outside a new restaurant caused controversy in a Sheffield suburb - where a resident was warned about flying a St George's Cross from his window.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Aug 2007, 14:41 BST

Updated 21st Aug 2007, 08:24 BST

Ecclesfield Parish Council asked Sheffield Council if the owners of the Jinnah restaurant, in the former Arundel pub on The Common, Ecclesfield, needed planning permission for four flagpoles.

The poles fly the Union Jack, flags of Kashmir and Pakistan, and the Yorkshire emblem.

A resident asked the parish council if the restaurant had planning permission. He raised the issue after an England fan was forced to remove an England flag flying from a pole in his bedroom window.

Sheffield Council said planning consent is not required for flags and poles displaying flags of nations, counties, the Commonwealth, European Union and UN. They only require permission if they are used for advertising.

Restaurant owner Saleem Akhtar said: “The flags represent the cuisine we do and the clientele we cater for. I hope everybody will support me and look at me as the person who has provided another service.”