An online campaign has been launched to save Perth city centre’s most distinctive shop frontage.
A Scottish Government reporter recently dismissed an appeal by Jane Atkinson against a refusal by Perth and Kinross Council to allow her to retain the bright pink facade of her award-winning shop, Bertie Browns.
Over 60 people have posted on the “Save Bertie Browns Pink Exterior” Facebook site.
Last July Mrs Atkinson’s shop frontage was refused retrospective planning and listed building consent as the paintwork was contrary to the local plan.
The South Street home of the jewellery and gift shop is part of a former three-storey Wesleyan Chapel, which is Category C-listed.
After she appealed, the government reporter ruled that the “vivid eye catching pink” is a colour which “does not blend well with the character and subdued colour of the remainder of this listed building”.
If she wants to retain an element of pink it would have to be in the grooves of vertical pillars. The rest of the building will have to be “neutral”.
Among the posts on Facebook are one from Christina Thomson, who wrote, “Perth Council needs to get a grip. That area is crumbling away slowly and Bertie Browns at least gives that area of Perth some class. Support you all the way.”
Amanda Dow said, “Berties is the most attractive shop front in the street if not the town.
“The council should encourage the rest of the units to improve their look, not knock those who do take pride in appearance.”‘Don’t go changing’Lorna Westwater pointed out, “Perth and Kinross Council have lost their sanity. This is one of the best shops in Perth.
“They should be applauding the success of this independent business.
“What a contrast to the multitude of empty sales premises and tatty chain stores that now litter Perth centre. Don’t go changing.”
The saga may not have been all bad for the business, however, as has been noted by one contibutor to the site.
Shaun Ward observed, “Think about all the positive publicity that has been created over this story.
“Everyone in Perth has now heard of Bertie Browns.”