After reading the article about Real Foods and the issue of their signage, I would like to express my disgust (although not surprise) at the actions of the Planning Department of Edinburgh City Council, writes Philip Chisholm, a Spurtle reader currently in Denmark.
The demands they have made and the timescales in question are outrageous, particularly during these extremely challenging economic times, considering the length of time these signs have been in place and taking into account the invaluable service this store provides to the community. Indeed, it is independent businesses like Real Foods that make a community successful and prosperous.
At a time when local communities and city centres throughout the UK are being cheapened and homogenised by the ever increasing dominance of bullying and faceless national chains, one would have hoped that the Planning Department (surely one of the main custodians of the City's living and working environment), rather than undermining their very existence, would recognise the role they should fulfil in protecting all that is good and necessary about local businesses such as Real Foods.
One need only cast an eye over Princes Street or certain sections of the Royal Mile to be reminded that the Planning Department has more pressing engagements it should be addressing. Some fights are easier to pick than others.
At a time when people globally are taking a stand against unreasonable behaviour, I sincerely hope that people in Edinburgh will stand up to the actions of the Planning Department. This wing of the Council must enter into a sensible dialogue with Real Foods about how best to preserve this Grade A listed building. Surely that is in everyone's best interest.