A RECORD store has fallen foul of planners again despite toning down its futuristic appearance.

The Virgin V shop, based in an 18th Century building in Durham's Market Place, ran into trouble with the city council because it did not fit in with its location.

The store was given a major facelift as part of tycoon Sir Richard Branson's upgrading of the Our Price chain, which has seen the launch of in-store Internet shopping. Fluorescent signs, a window-display video screen and a bright red parapet were installed before city councillors considered a planning application for the revamp.

The City of Durham Trust said the work "showed a lack of respect to the building".

Tomorrow, the council's development control committee will be recommended to approve revised plans for non-illuminated signs.

But councillors will be recommended to issue a listed building enforcement notice ordering removal of the video screen and advertising panel in the window.

Head of planning, David Thornborrow, said: "The size and position of the screen and panel are clearly intended to advertise material outside the shop, which is highly visible and distinctive within the Market Place. In my view, this display detracts from the character and appearance of the listed building."