Power proposals given a frosty reception

David O'Leary • Published 12 Feb 2010 10:53 2 Comments

INNERLEITHEN'S ice cream king has been told he can keep his sign - but not to plug it in.

Planning officers ruled last year that Andrew Caldwell had contravened regulations by mounting a new illuminated sign above his parlour.

But the businessman, whose family shop has stood in the town's High Street for 99 years, fought back and took his case to the Scottish Government.

His retrospective planning appeal was dismissed by Government Reporter Douglas Alexander.

And enforcement action to remove his controversial sign was about to start.

But cone king Caldwell claimed if council workmen attempted to remove his £7,000 sign he'd sell up and close the iconic business - and began a petition to take to Newtown St Boswells calling for a rethink.

This week he was left stunned when planning chiefs initiated a thaw in relations by informally granting him permission to keep his sign - as long as he never illuminated it.

Mr Caldwell, however, refuses to entertain SBC's sweetener. He said: "I spent £7,000 on my sign and could have got a bog standard unlit one for a fraction of the price.

"My grandfather began this business almost a hundred years ago and I'm not going to back down on this.

"We're just a small business trying to do our best and could do without all of it to be honest."

Andrew, who is president of the Ice Cream Association of Great Britain and Ireland, has garnered significant local support in his cause as well, amassing almost 1500 signatories on his petition.

And it seems he has the council licked as all three of his local Tweeddale East councillors, Graham Garvie, Gavin Logan and Bill Herd, agree with him.

The melt down in relations may now result in a momentous change to planning guidelines and policy.

Following a recent meeting councillor Gavin Logan said: "A motion will now be put before the next full Council meeting on February 25, in which we will ask for a report from the Director of Planning and Economic Development on the appropriateness of the current Supplementary Planning Guidance on signage.

"The motion will also ask for a review of guidance in light of changed economic circumstances since it was introduced some years ago.

"And if successful, Andrew will then be able to re-apply for permission under the new guidelines."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 12 Feb 10

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  across the street
  Unregistered User
  Feb 12, 12:40
  Report comment

  Andrew Caldwell is no idiot but he sure is trying to make himself look like one.
  
  Pulling a fast one on the illuminated sign and claiming he didn't know, come on.
  
  Maybe we can get Innerleithen looking like Las Vegas (or at least Blackpool), all tose antique shops with their neon flashing lights. The middle pub could have a laser show.
  
  Your illuminated sign wouldn't look so good then.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

• 

  Hazelkaye
  Unregistered User
  Feb 13, 18:29
  Report comment

  Claim a dispensation at Christmas time, when he can say that the sign is Christmas decorations!
  
  As long as the power keeps going to the ice cream machine! THAT'S WHAT REALLY TAKES A LICKING!
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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