Wiltshire Council takes positive planning action on unauthorised Salisbury shopfront

Wiltshire Council has taken steps to safeguard a Grade II* listed building in Salisbury after the Red Power Shop, on Minister Street, installed unauthorised signage and internal shopfront illumination.

The council was informed of the changes to the shopfront by a member of the public and so a Conservation Officer investigated. The officer gave the owner clear instructions about the unauthorised work and how they needed to amend it to fit within planning guidelines.

The owner then made the required changes to the shopfront without the council needing to resort to formal enforcement action, an approach that is strongly recommended by 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."