News / Pizzeria appeal lodged
AN APPEAL to overturn a decision not to grant planning permission for a proposed pizzeria outside the Shetland village of Voe has been lodged.
The issue is now likely to be discussed by the council’s planning board on 15 March.
In autumn last year, local businessman Henry MacColl applied for permission to build a 24-seat Italian restaurant opposite his home at Parkhead, off the main A970 between Voe and Brae.
His plans received enthusiastic support from the local community after it emerged that the council’s planning department had expressed strong reservations as to the location of the proposed restaurant.
As it is council policy to encourage development within established settlements, council officials argued that diners would have to use a car for a night out and the resulting fuel emissions would contribute to climate change.
In response MacColl started a Facebook campaign and an online petition to gather support for his venture.
When council officials refused permission in early December, MacColl, who is half Italian, vowed to fight the decision and has now handed in the papers that trigger a review process.
The 51 year old said he had received support from the local and national media as well as receiving encouraging messages from people as far away as New Zealand, Australia and Dubai.
“The rural comment doesn’t hold water,” he said. “They should be more relaxed about their policies and adapt these to island circumstances.
“When I look through my front window I see all the local suppliers driving past. Our new pizzeria could be another stop for them.
“This is a new business, providing employment in rural Shetland; it should be welcomed.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.