A vape shop on Linlithgow’s historic High Street must remove its lit-up signs and steel shutter after West Lothian’s planning committee ruled the storefront broke conservation rules.
Linlithgow’s High Street is keeping its old look. West Lothian’s Development Management Committee has told Vape King to take down its bright signs and steel roller shutter. The committee said the shop’s new look did not fit with the strict conservation rules for the area. The committee chair said the shop made the High Street look like a “Poundland Las Vegas,” as reported by The Herald Scotland.
Vape King opened at 211 High Street six months ago. The shop put up multi-colored lit signs and a bare metal shutter without getting approval first. People living nearby and the local community council quickly complained. They said the display broke the rules for the conservation area. The main rule at issue was clear: “Internally illuminated, flashing or moving displays will not be supported.” Objectors pointed to this as the reason for their opposition.
Committee rejects signage and shutter
Planning documents show Vape King’s signs were too big and too bright for the historic street. The steel shutter, which replaced old timber doors, was called “harsh and industrial” by council planners. Planners said the shop should bring back the traditional timber two-leaf doors to keep the building’s original look. Council planning officers recommended this change to match the conservation area’s style.
The community council said the rules were clear: “Internally illuminated, flashing or moving displays will not be supported.” The council also said the shop’s signs were unfair to other small businesses that had followed the rules and spent money to keep the High Street’s character. This case showed a bigger problem, as some businesses felt they were at a disadvantage when others ignored the same standards.
Local officials respond to community pressure
Councillor Pauline Orr sent the application to the committee after hearing ongoing complaints from residents. She said it was important to be open, especially since council meetings stopped being recorded earlier this year. Councillor Pauline Clark said businesses must respect the area’s color palette and sign rules. She criticized Vape King’s large, bright lettering. The shop had already opened and put up the signs and shutter before asking for approval. This fact weighed on the committee’s decision to refuse planning consent.
Committee chair Councillor Harry Cartmill summed up the feeling in the room. He said the signs made the High Street look like a “Poundshop Las Vegas.” The committee voted together to reject the planning consent and told the shop to remove the steel shutter.
Conservation rules remain firm
West Lothian’s planning officers have repeated that traditional shopfronts must be kept along Linlithgow’s High Street. At recent area committee meetings, Head of Planning Craig McCorriston explained the approved color palettes and advertising rules for businesses in the conservation zone. The council’s planning portal shows that decision notices are public and that residents can send in objections or comments through the official planning system, as detailed on the West Lothian Council planning portal.
The Vape King case shows the ongoing struggle between modern shop branding and keeping historic streets looking the same. Some retailers may try to push the limits, but the council’s decision makes it clear: conservation rules are not optional, and the council will act if businesses ignore them.
Shops thinking about opening or changing locations in historic areas should pay attention. As seen in other recent cases, like the reported plans for DD’s Discount in East Las Vegas, local authorities are watching closely to see how new businesses fit in. In Linlithgow, the message is simple—historic character comes first, and flashy signs will not be allowed.
