Catching up on this topic……
Let’s try to not use phrases such as Gatekeeper. It’s one I avoid as it can have negative undertones to it. It’s not necessary.
The topic of these “neighbourhood signs or markers” is an interesting one. There are large global differences in the form they take so it’s really quite hard to define.
If I strip this back further even defining neighbourhood has no global clarity.
So I tend to go back to basics….
And think about these aspects ready for answering the actual questions.
What is its function meant to be
What is it physically like
Where is it.
So treating it as specific instance each time. They are not automatically eligible or ineligible. Each will involve a judgement call as you answer the questions.
My understanding of the situations raised here are specifically around entrances to specific housing developments. They are a sign to indicate where you are. Bigger than a conventional street sign but that’s the function. To me that is not a function that makes it eligible.
What does it look like? Does it stand out as special? Would it be an interesting place to look at.? This is then about assessing if it is artistic or unusual in some way. This is a judgement call no hard and fast rules.
Is it a place where people are meant to socialise. Again this may vary. Are there some benches integrated into it where people could meet and sit and chat? Should the benches be the focus of the nomination then and not the sign? Is it clear from the landscaping that people have space to be there and be safe. A large grassed area would be ok but if everything in front of it is a substantial flower bed then it’s meant to be a place you stand at.
So most that I have seen don’t get a positive response but sometimes there are ones that do.
There does seem to be a degree of trying to make a square peg fit in a round hole at times. 
