Letters / Stunned
I was quite frankly stunned at the council’s intention to refuse to Henry MacColl permission to go ahead with his Italian food restaurant due to its location (Italian eatery a step too far for planners; SN, 23/11/15).
It demonstrates the council’s short sightedness and their seeming dislike for development anywhere outside Lerwick. The “reasons” for their objection also were completely illogical.
Suggesting a business is unsustainable because of its location is in this case one of the most stupid things I’ve ever heard in my life.
The location in this case, sitting on a four to five mile stretch of main road between two large villages would obviously render the restaurant very sustainable due to the pretty much constant day to day traffic going by.
To suggest it is unsustainable is as idiotic as saying the Ollaberry Shop is unsustainable due to its location.
As many people have pointed out on social media, the fact that the site must be accessed by vehicle is true of most Shetland businesses. As this was a point of reference in the council’s refusal, I would put it to them: Since when do you not have to get in your car to go out to eat in Shetland? Apart from if you live in Lerwick, Brae or Scalloway.
It seems to me that rural communities are being discriminated against with this walk, bus or cycle policy.
Also, I would point out the irony in that the council should cite impact on climate change as a reason to recommend refusal of this planning application, when not even five miles away a multinational oil company is churning out Christ only knows how many tonnes of CO2 into the air every minute of every hour 24/7. I am certain one Italian restaurant won’t even register on that scale.
The proposal is of reasonable size and in a good location for business. It is a business that will be unique in Shetland and will offer and support local jobs and communities.
I quote senior planning officer John Holden from the article in question here: “Ideally developments should take place where people don’t have to travel great distances”.
A lot people have to commute from rural communities to Lerwick for work. From where I live, that is 43 miles there and 43 back; that’s 86 miles total day to day.
This particular business would be unique and beneficial to Shetland and would be virtually guaranteed a roaring trade. I believe that the council by not giving this business the go ahead is making a big mistake and shows how badly those concerned need to wake up and step forward into the 21st century.
Declan Harrison
North Roe
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