Councillors unanimously backed a Weymouth tattoo parlour and their choice of frontage artwork. 

Weymouth and Portland Borough councillors today voted against the recommendation of a conservation officer to allow Elite Tattoo and Piercings shop to keep a scaled down version of their design. 

The current design on the grade II listed building at 8 St Thomas Street in the town centre, was refused by the council and a subsequent appeal was lost. 

Elite then offered a scaled back version of the design which would see the orange flames removed - but this was once again recommended for refusal by the council's conservation officers. 

Speaking at the meeting, shop manager Joey Williams said he had never wanted to "take on the council" and had "jumped through every hoop" he had been asked to.

"When I undertook this process I phoned the planning committee and was only asked four questions. The said it was absolutely fine and nothing was needed except permission for the scaffolding - which we got.

We have followed every process afterwards," Mr Williams said. 

Councillor Tia Roos spoke at the meeting on behalf of Elite as the councillor representing Melcombe Regis - the ward in which the shop is situated. 

She said the paint used was restorative and would not cause harm to the building. 

"It's actually keeping the building in a better condition than it has ever been before," she said. "The town centre manager and myself both support this design."

Councillors voted unanimously to allow the scaled back design on the basis the flames would be removed within a month. 

Speaking after the meeting Elite staff said they were pleased the council "saw sense." 

"It's a great result. We have done everything we can and I thought it would be a flat no - I'm still shell shocked," Mr Williams said.