A pride flag will be displayed on a yearly basis outside of Bracknell Forest Council’s office building, despite concerns raised that it ‘undermines impartiality and neutrality’.

A decision to display the pride progress flag during pride month, which lasts from June 1 to 30 every year, was taken by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee on Thursday, October 12.

The LGBTQ+ celebration flag includes the classic rainbow colours as well as new black, brown, pink, pale blue and white stripes in an arrow to the left of the design. These are in reference to groups including the transgender community, anyone living with HIV/Aids and people of colour.

While the council gave it unanimous support, Malcolm Tullet – who stood as Reform’s parliamentary candidate in the general election – raised a public objection. He said the design of the flag, which includes references to ‘race and gender identity’, ‘detracts from the neutral civic character of the area’.

He added that in displaying the flag outside Times Square could be seen as ‘endorsing ideologies’.

Liberal democrat Councillor Smith said: “There are many in our communities who would identify with some of the marginalised groups and minorities that this flag represents, who over many years have suffered persecution and being ostracised – for whom this is an incredibly important step.”

But he added that this was not a ‘valid planning consideration’, and that no arguments had been put forward for refusal based on planning grounds.

Conservative Councillor Tony Virgo supported the plans, arguing that the flag is ‘absolutely what Bracknell stands for’, and that the council wants to ‘embrace all parts of that community’.

A dozen members of the public had also objected to the plans along a similar vein to Mr Tullet – arguing that the council is ‘not maintaining a stance of neutrality’.

The display of the flag received unanimous support from councillors based on planning grounds.

An officer report on the plan stated the flag would not impact on neighbouring amenity or highways safety, as a flag is mounted on the same flagpole for the majority of the rule.

But Councillor Virgo noted that he wanted to see more flags displayed as well as the pride progress flag, including St George’s flag which he claimed to have a ‘difficult’ time in securing.

The ward member for Winkfield said: “I feel very strongly, frankly, that we all stand together as a community. This council stands for that.”