Appeal after billboards plan refused

AN appeal has been launched after plans to install billboards on Chalmers Street in Dunfermline were refused.

The application, made on behalf of Rosyth-based William Street Commercial, would see two 6x3m signs on a 1.5m fence installed in greenspace near the Glen Bridge.

The proposals were rejected by

Fife Council on the grounds of visual amenity and road safety.

Applicant Mr Douglas Sampson has now appealed to the Scottish Government over the decision, with his representatives saying that the boards would not impact welfare.

The appeal reads: “The application was refused on the grounds of road safety. We do not believe that the proposals have any more impact on road safety than any other signage/ advertising/furniture at any roadside.

“The proposals are based on existing advertising, operated by the applicant, on the junction of Rumblingwell /

William Street, a short distance from the application site.

“To the best of our knowledge and as far as we can ascertain, no incidents related to the advertising hoardings have ever been reported.”

The Press reported in July that residents and businesses on Chalmers Street were calling for the plans to be scrapped, saying that they would have a “detrimental” impact on the area.

One, 74-year-old Jenni Cleland, who lives at Canon Lynch Court, had launched a petition against the structures which would “spoil” her view, remove grassland, and create distractions for pedestrians and drivers.

Craig McIvor, financial director at Dunfermline Business Services, was also worried that the advertisement boards would create opportunity for anti-social behaviour.

A response to the appeal from Fife Council was due this week.