Call for leniency for local businesses

At a recent meeting of Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee, Mr Beckett said he was concerned that there had been an increase in enforcement action in recent months and that this could hamper trade for small local businesses.

“Enforcement action has been taken against local businesses who have small advertising signs up,” he explained.

“These businesses are trying to keep going despite the current economic climate and this city council needs to support local businesses as much as we can.

“I don’t want to see any more businesses falling by the wayside.”

Mr Beckett suggested the council write to the Planning Service asking for some leniency for small businesses when it comes to the erection of advertising signs.

He was supported by the Chairman of the council’s Planning Committee, Councillor Uel Mackin, who agreed: “It is important to support local businesses.”

A senior planning officer, who was at the meeting this week, responded to Mr Beckett’s concerns, saying: “The problem isn’t about one small sign, it is an amalgamation of signs.

“It is an instant enforcement offence as soon as the sign is put up.

“There are a lot of different things to take into consideration,” she added.