THE BACKLIT SIGN sign on the front of Dublin nightspot Pantibar is to remain in place after An Bord Pléanala agreed that there were “exceptional circumstances” in the case.

The 3.5m long  sign on the Capel Street gay bar was erected last year but has been the subject of a number of planning objections.

Under planning rules for the area, signs that project outwards are not permitted except in “exceptional circumstances”.

Designers acting on behalf of bar owners Rory O’Neill and Jonathan Bourke had argued that this was indeed an exceptional case as the bar is “considered a place of cultural, social and artistic merit.”

Earlier this year, Dublin City Council had rejected an application to keep it up but an appeal was lodged with An Bord Pleanála.

Today, the bar has confirmed that An Bord Pleanála have granted permission for the sign to stay after it agreed that exceptional circumstances apply in this case.

“The sign is integral to the social, historical and cultural significance of the current use of the premises,” An Bord Pleanála said, according to Pantibar.

Objections to the sign had argued that it was “unsightly” and ”extraordinarily obvious when lit at night.”

Read: Panti to “fight tooth and acrylic nail” to save LED Pantibar sign >

Read: Panti’s story of activism and giving laughs to the usual queer crowd will make you proud >

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