Council / Tighter rules on signs and advertisements in conservation areas to be considered
SHETLAND Islands Council’s (SIC) planning service will consider introducing “areas of special advertisement control” in two of Shetland’s conservation zones.
A report to councillors at the SIC’s planning committee on Thursday said this would ensure that the design, materials and appearance of signage and adverts in the Lerwick Lanes and Scalloway conservation areas would be in keeping with the local “character and appearance”.
It comes after a review of Shetland’s three conservation zones found that there were examples where signage and advertisements were “not in keeping with the character and appearance” of the areas.
However, the report said the quality of adverts and signs within the conservation zones – the third one being the Lerwick new town conservation area – are “generally good”.
The SIC last adopted appraisals of the three conservation areas in 2010, so a refreshed look was recently undertaken.
Prior to early public consultation events on the new appraisals, the council said there has been “relatively little change in the character and appearance” of the three areas.
But there has been a “noticeable deterioration” in the maintenance and repair of some buildings.
It also said there had been a “notable increase in the use of inappropriate modern details and materials, such as replacement windows and doors”.
A report to councillors on the planning committee said most comments received during the initial consultation events were in agreement with the revised appraisals.
One particular issue raised was the “conflict” between vehicles and pedestrians on Commercial Street in Lerwick, as well as anti-social behaviour in the town’s lanes.
A proposal to provide more detailed guidance to building owners and developers was also welcomed.
The councillors’ task on Thursday was to approve the publication of each of the draft revised conservation area appraisals in advance of holding another public meeting in each location.
After these public meetings, which are required under legislation, another report will be presented to the planning committee to decide on whether to formally adopt the new appraisals.
Among the listed next steps are considering the introduction of areas of special advertisement control.
At Thursday’s meeting North Isles member Robert Thomson sought clarity on signs and advertisements needing planning permission.
Planning officer Marianna Porter said a lot of signage would require advertisement consent.
“However there are permitted development rights relating to that, so there’s no specific extra control in a conservation area – that’s something we’ve picked up in the documents,” she said.
“You can have an area of special advertisement control, which requires permission to be granted for a wider range of signage and just allows us to ensure that what is happening in the conservation area is keeping with the character and appearance.”
Meanwhile there will also be consideration given to producing guidance on topics including shopfront and advertisement, design, repair and maintenance of traditional buildings and appropriate design solutions – such as information on paint.
The report also said: “We will work in conjunction with external funding bodies such as Historic Environment Scotland to explore opportunities for grant funding and to develop traditional building repair skills locally.”
The Lerwick Lanes Conservation Area was designated in 1975, recognising its waterfront setting, unusual town plan and notable buildings.
Scalloway Conservation Area was designated in 1982 in recognition of its harbour setting and buildings worthy of preservation, while the Lerwick New Town area – including the mainly residential areas of King Harald Street, St Olaf Street and Burgh Road – was designated in 1986.
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