Scots nail salon owner ordered to ‘repaint pink shop’ in conservation area row

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A nail salon boss who was ordered to paint over her pink shop front has appealed to the government for help.USA Nails, in Dalkeith, Midlothian, was served with an enforcement notice by Midlothian Council after making changes to the Category C listed building without planning permission.As well as changing the colour of the building from the bright pink it had been painted, officers ordered the red, white and blue sign above the door to be changed.The council said the colours used on the business were not in the traditional style in the conservation area.

Now the manager of the salon, in Dalkeith High Street, has lodged an appeal with Scottish Ministers.She has asked to keep the sign after repainting the store as requested.

Edinburgh Live reports she said in her appeal: "I had to wait so long to get it and it is expensive for a new (business) owner like me so I would be really grateful if I could keep it.”And she adds she believes the salon will bring something positive to the town centre saying: “I hope our beauty salon can give a hand to make Dalkeith beautiful.”The enforcement order was served on the business by planning officers in August.

The claimed the changes to the front of the salon building had a ‘significant adverse impact’ on it which was ‘harmful’.They said: “The use of traditional materials, colours and designs for the shop front and signage are encouraged to preserve the historic interest of the listed building and prevent detrimental impact to the character and appearance of the conservation area.“The signage installed does not respect the historic character and appearance of the shop front and detracts from the character, appearance and historic interest of the property.” A Reporter will be appointed to