DIY giant loses industrial estate sign appeal

DIY giant B&Q has lost an appeal for an illuminated sign outside a store in the Scottish Borders.

The local authority rejected its proposals for land at the Tweedbank Industrial Estate so it took the case to the Scottish government.

A reporter has now concluded that the proposed signage would add "clutter" to the roadside in the area.

He ruled it would be harmful to the amenity of the area and rejected the firm's appeal.

Scottish Borders Council rejected the plans earlier this year, prompting the appeal by B&Q.

The company argued that the sign would help the business survive and also "contribute to the economic vitality, aesthetic appeal and fair competition".

However, the Scottish government reporter said the proposals would "appear obtrusive and discordant for pedestrians and road users" on the nearby A6091.

"Although illumination levels for the signage may be controlled and could be subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions, the illumination will add to its prominence in the street scene," he added.

He ruled that due to its impact on the amenity it should not be allowed to proceed.