Mitchells & Butlers, the owners of the Black Bull, have submitted proposals (planning application 19F/1987 and listed building consent applications 19L/1950 & 19L/1989) to 'refresh' the appearance of the building and to maintain its 'kerb appeal'. There will be internal alterations, and a few changes at the rear, but the most contentious aspect of the plans, from our point of view, is the display of the name BLACK BULL on the front elevation. As far as we are aware, the traditional inn sign on Gateacre Brow has always been regarded as a sufficient indication of the name of the pub, and we shall be lodging an objection. We are also querying the 'colour visual' which was submitted to illustrate the proposal. It shows the hedges and shrubs removed from the road frontage (and replaced by flower beds) and modern-style tables and chairs scattered across the cobbled forecourt, rather than confined to a small area as required by a previous planning permission.