Monday September 21st 2026
The vape store at 211 High Street, Linlithgow last winter
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
A vape shop in Linlithgow’s ancient High Street made the street look like a “Poundland Las Vegas” West Lothian’s chair of planning said.
The Development Management Committee threw out proposals for illuminated signs outside Vape King and ordered a steel door roller shutter to be removed.
The decision was made six months after the store opened with lurid multi coloured signage. Last November councillors’ inboxes were also lit up with complaints about the signs above the shop at 211 High Street.
Mr Ramin Rostami had applied for planning permission in retrospect for the steel shutter and display of an illuminated fascia sign.
Councillor Pauline Orr referred the application to the DMC and the local Community Council and others also objected.
The community council said that the signs put up broke the existing rules which state “Internally illuminated, flashing or moving displays will not be supported.”
The body added: “The signage as applied for is too large and incorrectly illuminated and therefore we object to the application.”
Another objector said: “The proposed design does not begin to come close to complying with this guidance. The proposed sign is clearly unfair on all other small businesses in the conservation area that have taken the time, effort and expense to comply with the guidance and to ensure that the character of the High Street is protected and preserved.”
In a report to committee planners said: “Bare metal is not considered to be a sympathetic material for this conservation area. The roller shutter has a harsh and industrial visual appearance which is not suitable for the conservation area.
“There is a strong pattern of traditional timber two-leaf outer doors to shop premises along the High Street and this is the preferred option for an additional layer of security.
“The loss of historic fabric through the unconsented removal of the traditional timber two-leaf outer doors is considered to be harmful to the historic character and architectural integrity of the building and streetscape, and this should be reinstated.”
Councillor Pauline Clark said: “I don’t know how long it’s going to take for people to realise they need to make sure they stick to the rules.
There’s a colour palette. They should be sticking to it. The colours are too bright and the writing’s too big.”
Chair of the Committee Councillor Harry Cartmill said: “I’m in full agreement. The sign made Linlithgow High Street look like a Poundshop Las Vegas.”
The committee agreed to reject planning consent.
Linlithgow councillors have asked planning officers to recent meetings of the local area committee to voice concerns about vape shops. At the most recent meeting Head of Planning Craig McCorriston explained about recommended colour palettes and rules about advertising for shops in the high street.
After the meeting of the DMC Councillor Orr told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I have had a few queries in relation to the signage at Vape King and kept them up to date over the months in respect of the lengthy process enforcement involved.
“I referred it to the DMC to show to the community that I was listening to their concerns and taking an action to ensure that the decision making process was open and transparent and in particular since the removal of recording facilities in May of this year.”
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