New signs of changing times

Tuesday, 3 August, 1999 - 22:00
AN EAST Perth trader has been allowed to keep two signs on his building, even though they break a council sign law.

Council staff recommended the signs be removed and suggested pursuing legal action if the signs were not taken down within fourteen days of written notification.

According to council’s law, signs can only be up to 1.2 metres high. In this case the signs are three metres high.

The offending symbols adorn John’s Food & Liquor Store at 144 Bennett Street, East Perth.

However, Councillor Laurance Goodman said the signs were in keeping with the design of the building.

“I don’t see that the signs affect the amenity of the area,” Mr Goodman said. “It seems to me that area is changing but there is still a lot mixed use. The signs don’t look out of place.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Michael Sutherland said the signs actually brightened the building.

However, Lord Mayor Peter Nattrass said allowing the signs to remain was creating a precedent for council.

“If you give it to one, you’ve got to give it to all,” Dr Nattrass said.

Councillor Laurance Goodman said council had approved many signs that exceeded the council law.

“We approved a sign ten or twelve metres high for the corner of Hill Street,” Mr Goodman said.

“It never got built but we did approve it,” he said.