Iceland challenges sign ruling

A SUPERMARKET has challenged Perth and Kinross Council’s decision to refuse its plans for new signs at its Perth store for the second time this year.

The Food Warehouse, run by frozen food retailer Iceland, had planning permission shot down by the local authority because the signs facing the Longcauseway roundabout were deemed too bright.

The firm, which opened the unit at the St Catherine’s retail park in May, took the decision to reporters at the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division (DPEA).

It chose to stand by the council’s planning department, upholding the refusal and demanding Iceland bring down the offending sign.

Store management went back to planners with revised designs for a smaller placard, but these were also turned down in September. The council’s planning reporter said: “The advertisement by virtue of its cumulative impact, excessive proportions, colour, high-level position and illumination would i ncrease visual clutter.”

The Food Warehouse is contest the refusal. In its appeal paperwork, the company said it would find it difficult to comply with the enforcement notice, ordering the sign to be removed within 28 days.

“Given the height/scale of the sign, it is necessary to operate a hydraulic lifter, outside of trading hours,” agents wrote. “Unfortunately, due to the timing of the notice, in the run-up to Christmas, the installer i s unable to undertake this work.”