Ramblers Association - Derbyshire Dales Group

Advertisements on Roadsides

The devil is in the detail

Since we do much of our walking in the National Park we may not be aware of how the countryside outside the Park's boundaries is being degraded. For example, when motorways began to be built, it was decided that they should not, as happens in America, be lined with advertisement hoardings. Yet advertising by motorways is spreading. If such hoardings have permission from the planning authority, so be it. But if they do, the question arises as to the grounds on which, as a departure from general policy, permission was permitted. If they do not have permission, the question is why enforcement action has not been taken.

To test the water, we wrote, with the agreement of the local RA Group, to the Barnsley District Council asking whether permission was given for the advertisement for McDonald's on the east side of the M1 about one mile north of the junction with then A61 We had a very helpful reply from the Council saying that it had been agreed with McDonalds that the advertisement would be removed in August when the crop in the field is harvested. The Council letter added that an advertisement for a local hotel near the northbound carriageway had recently been removed. We have written to the Council expressing thanks for taking action over unauthorised hoardings.

As for Buxton, it seems that anything goes - there is hardly a railing without a canvas sheet advertising something or other. Even the University of Buxton seems to think that it is above the law here. Incidentally, I have recently joined the Buxton Group, a voluntary organisation that is campaigning to protect and enhance the appearance of this fine but, in parts, rather tatty town.

If anyone has any concerns over advertising in the countryside (or any other countryside issues) please let me know.

John Riddall