Muir of Ord chipper's appeal over lights plan may have failed but its superhero ambition has not been dimmed
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A MUIR of Ord fish and chip shop owner who wanted to light up the night sky with a Batman-style call sign has failed in an appeal to the Scottish Government.
But determined businesswoman Jaki Pickett remains hopeful she will still be able to use her powerful spotlight as part of the chippie’s superhero-themed publicity drive.
She aims to apply to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a series of temporary promotions in the run-up to occasions such as Christmas, Burns’ Night, Valentine’s Day, Easter and others.
Earlier this year, Highland Council planners refused Ms Pickett permission to permanently site the Prolights Panorama IPB spotlight at the shop to advertise her tasty suppers.
Drawing inspiration from Gotham City police department’s famous distress signal, the grandmother planned to send light 15 miles into the sky, with colour-coded beams alerting customers to special offers.
Ms Pickett had already dreamt up the cartoon character Batterman to promote Jaki Fish and Chip Shop on the village’s Seaforth Road.
She previously received permission from the CAA for trial use of the lights, with no objection raised.
Muir chipper appeals to Scottish Government over council lights' knock-back
Muir chipper aims to make mark with new superhero – Batterman
However planning officials, using delegated powers, ruled that the advertising consent application would have “an unacceptable impact” by introducing “intrusive” artificial light pollution into non-commercial and rural areas.
There were also concerns over the potential risk to aircraft.
After lodging her appeal, the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division made a site visit to the chippie on June 30 this year.
In his report conclusions, the division’s Chris Norman said: “I have taken into account the general characteristics of the area, including the dark sky above the commercially undeveloped wider area around Muir of Ord.
“Because of the unmitigated and intrusive light pollution that would ensue... the appeal site is not suitable for the display.
“No evidence is before me that allows me to conclude that the potential risk to aviation safety could otherwise be addressed… I conclude that the display of the advertisement would not be in the interests of public safety.”
However, Ms Pickett told the Ross-shire Journal: “I’m now applying for a Notice to Airmen (Notam), just like I did last year, for temporary use of the spotlight.
“They use them at festivals, concerts and at local landmarks, while other businesses use them as well.
“You can’t have one rule for one and a different rule for another, so if I need it for a promotional period, I will apply for a Notam through the CAA.
“Last year, I had a Notam for the whole of December into January.
“Just to be courteous, I then notified Highland Council and asked if it would be okay but, since it was to be permanent, four hours a night through winter, they said I’d need planning permission.
“Being a good girl, I went through the whole process and waited a year for the Scottish Government to come back and say ‘no’.
“There’s no written rules and regulations for the use of these lights.
“I’ve spoken to the Ministry of Defence, every authority I can, and none of them have any issue. All I have to do is give them my number so if they’re doing a special flight path and need somebody to turn the lights out, they can.”
