Wiltshire Council steps in to alter unauthorised Salisbury shop signs
Red Power on Minster Street is in a Grade II* listed building
Wiltshire Council's taken action to change the signage on a shop in Salisbury's Minster Street - as they weren't allowed on a Grade II* listed building.
The Red Power vape shop put up authorised signs and an illuminated shopfront without permission.
A member of the public reported it to the local authority, with a Conservation Officer investigated.
They gave guidance to the store of the steps they needed to take to fit in with planning rules, with the owner making the required changes.
That meant the Council didn't have to take enforcement proceedings - even though that's the 'strongly recommended approach' from the Government.
Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Development Management and Strategic Planning, said:
“Our clear message to anyone considering making changes to their shopfront, home or any other building in breach of planning regulations is don’t, because we will take firm action.
“As we have clearly set out in our Business Plan, we will use all powers available to us, including enforcement action and prosecution if necessary to prevent planning breaches in Wiltshire.
“This case is a great example of positive work by our officers to work with a small business owner to resolve the situation quickly. They had a robust discussion with the owner about what they had done wrong and how they could resolve the issue – and the owner resolved the issues within the required timeframe to avoid any enforcement action.
“We’d always advise any shop owners that are planning to change the appearance of their shop to contact us first for advice – particularly if the building is in a Conservation Area or is listed, as in this case.
“This case illustrates how positive action can get the required result without enforcement action. However, people should be aware that we will use all of our powers and take enforcement action against breaches of planning regulations in Wiltshire.”