Some shops in St Peter Port are flouting Guernsey's planning laws over signage

Monday, 17 June 2024 08:30

St Peter Port constable Zoe Lihou says a number of shopkeepers in the Arcade are using temporary 'A' boards to promote their businesses, but some don't have planning permission.

Zoe Lihou says it's an age old problem in St Peter Port's Arcade:

"Retailers are using temporary 'A' boards to promote certain reductions, or their wares and what they're offering. We encourage local businesses and we want retail to be booming in the Town."

But, she says it's not ideal for some passers-by.

"Members of the public are complaining, saying that (the boards) are in the way. At highly-congested times in the Arcade, along with the al fresco dining, these boards can be quite a bothersome item."

Zoe Lihou says, despite what shopkeepers think, these signs do need planning permission, but getting that message through is an issue:

"It's up to the Planning Department, and their enforcement division, to enforce the removal of said boards. Disappointingly, we've been advised by Planning that they're a bit stretched and don't really have the bandwith currently to be looking at 'A' boards and their enforcement. There are some retailers who've been reporting others so it's a bit of a turf war with the 'A' boards at the moment."

Island FM approached Planning and they confirmed that these temporary signs do need permission:

"Business seeking to use free standing signage in public spaces outside their premises are required to seek permission. The Planning Service is looking into the extent to which boards are being displayed around the Island. While the service has some urgent matters to prioritise, this investigation is ongoing."