The lights could go out on illuminated display advertisements in Broughty Ferry if conservation zone powers are extended.
Dundee City Council is consulting the public on enlarging the area where planning restrictions can be imposed to protect the character of the suburb.
Ferry councillor Laurie Bidwell said the move could tackle issues like full-size illuminated display panels that are said to be visually intrusive and out of keeping with their surroundings.
There is one on the bus shelter outside Marks and Spencer in Brook Street about which he is unhappy.
“A constituent has queried with me why it was that display advertisements on a bus shelter in Brook Street are illuminated,” he said.
“The constituent thought the illuminated advertisements were much more visually intrusive, which to the advertiser I suppose is the point.”
He wrote to the planning department for clarification and they explained that planning permission for the illuminated display advertisement was granted in July 2007 under delegated powers.
“I must confess that that was in the early months of being elected to the council and I clearly hadn’t noticed this application going through,” Mr Bidwell continued.
“Had I done so I would have objected on the grounds that it was incompatible in the conservation area.
“There is still an opportunity for members of the public to comment on the new draft conservation appraisal for central Broughty Ferry including whether there should be more stringent policies on advertising in the proposed extended conservation area.”
David Hewick, planning secretary of Broughty Ferry Community Council, said the closing date for responses is January 24 and he hoped people would take the opportunity to consider the proposed extension (PDF link) and make comments.
“If the conservation zone is extended people will have to think more carefully about any changes they may want to make to buildings and street furniture to ensure that they fit in with the area.
“Any new developments will need to be much more sympathetic to their surroundings, and this may be a factor in issues like illuminated display advertising.”
It is proposed that the conservation zone be extended north to the railway line to take in the main thoroughfare of Brook Street.