Mcdonalds have asked for Illuminated Lighting

Once again, the council have failed to communicate and many of us have not received any information regarding further developments at McDonald’s. At this Point what do you expect from such a useless body? Unfortunately, the McDonalds is going ahead with no consideration to the local community. However, we can at least try to oppose the illuminated signage. The signage will significantly produce light pollution as well as decrease the amenity of the local area.

The developments are for 24 hour illuminated signage outside the property. The developments numbers are:

38/26/0229/A

And

38/26/0228/A

Some points to mention to oppose this development would include:

38/26/0228/A

·         Impact on local amenity; Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007. Regulation 3 requires local planning authorities to exercise their advertisement-control functions in the interests of amenity and public safety, considering the general characteristics of the locality.

·         24-hour illumination is inappropriate in this location; The business does not require illuminated advertising 24 hours a day to identify itself. If signage is considered necessary, non-illuminated signage would provide the required identification function without introducing unnecessary light pollution and visual intrusion into the surrounding residential area.

·         Visual amenity and character of the locality; The current National Planning Policy Framework states at paragraph 141 that the quality and character of places can suffer when advertisements are poorly sited and designed, and that advertisements should be subject to control in the interests of amenity and public safety.

·         Light pollution and unnecessary illumination; A sign that is merely visible during daylight is fundamentally different from a sign that emits artificial light throughout the night.

38/26/0229/A

·         Impact on local amenity; Regulation 3 requires local planning authorities to exercise their advertisement-control functions in the interests of amenity and public safety, considering the general characteristics of the locality. Government Planning Practice Guidance confirms that amenity includes visual and aural amenity.

·         An illuminated banner is excessive in a residential setting; Unlike a simple directional or identification sign, a banner provides a large surface specifically designed to attract attention. Illuminating that surface significantly increases its visibility during hours of darkness and extends the visual presence of the commercial premises

·         24-hour illumination; A commercial banner does not need to remain illuminated 24 hours a day to fulfil its basic identification function.

If I can ask the community once again to pass comments like the ones above to oppose this development. I don’t think the council can “fob this one off” as non-material as these are clearly material concerns. A restaurant does no need illuminated signage to operate.

Gideon Amos MP has also confirmed from McDonald’s themselves that they are willing to meet with us to discuss measures for our livelihood. Please follow the petition for further updates!

Let’s keep fighting this!