Callands resident objects to Arnold Clark sign plans over lights

The Callands local has outlined his concerns in a letter of objection to Arnold Clark’s planning application to install two new light-up, 6.5m-high advertising signs at its Gemini motorstore.

Documents submitted to Warrington Borough Council’s planning department say the illuminated fixtures will be located at the applicant’s Europa Boulevard base, which was formerly home to Toys’R’Us, advertising the dealership’s Renault and Dacia brands.

But the Goldcliff Close resident says the light given off by the dealer throughout the night is akin to the ‘floodlights of Wembley Stadium’, with birds tweeting at all hours as ‘they think it is daylight’.

The letter of objection reads: “I live right opposite the Arnold Clark garage, and since they moved into this location it has been like looking at Blackpool Illuminations every night.

Light given off by Arnold Clark's Gemini dealership which has been compared to Blackpool Illuminations

“Nothing was mentioned about any of their current advertising lights (Arnold Clark and motorstore) or their site floodlights, which both are on continually and lit brightly all the way through until dawn.

“Even the local robins are singing all night thinking it is daylight.

“My point about mentioning their current lights is that they will not need these totem pole signs lighting up, as the whole area is lit up like Wembley Stadium.”

The resident says he has lived there for 30 years and has had no problem with previous occupant Toys’R’Us.

“Why Arnold Clark needs to fully light up its total car park at full brightness continually at night is beyond me,” the letter continues.

Light given off by Arnold Clark's Gemini dealership which has been compared to Blackpool Illuminations

“Trying to black-out our back bedroom when the grandson sleeps is not easy. We have had blinds fitted and we stick a purposely bought thick black-out sheet over them as well as the curtains.

“Maybe they should consider switching the existing lighting down before trying to introduce even more brightness with these proposed signs.

“Also, it would not surprise me if they try to attach loudspeakers to these signs and play their music on the highway as well as around the car park, which we can hear every day and night in the summer.

“Anyway, I am against the proposal based on the light issue, and also the thought of another sign that I would be seeing daily for 24 hours wherever I am at the rear of my house, whether I am inside or outside.”

Another neighbour also objected, stating: “The current signage and lighting is already intrusive. There is no need for anymore.”