A TAKEAWAY store in Adelaide’s east was threatened with a fine of up to $22,000 because it had an LED sign in its window — which had been there for more than a decade.

The Feathers Fish and Chip Shop had been told by the Burnside Council the sign was breaching regulations and could be fined $22,000 if it wasn’t removed.

The business eventually was fined $750 last October but the penalty was waived.

The letter from the council also warned of the state penalties around development approvals that could lead to many thousands of dollars in costs.

Fish and chippery owner Peter Alevizos said the flashing “OPEN” sign had been in his window for at least 13 years and the previous owner had another one before that.

“I’ve still got the open sign up there but it doesn’t go on all the time,” Mr Alevizos said.

“It’s amazing it’s causing so much trouble.”

Mr Alevizos said the sign did not distract drivers on the roundabout outside his business.

Burnside Mayor David Parkin said the council was simply enforcing State Government legislation, which require illuminated signs to ahve development approval.

“(The) council has received a range of complaints from the community regarding signage of the shops at the Feathers corner,” Mr Parkin said.

“If we receive a complaint from the community we are compelled to act.

“The business displayed an illuminated sign in the shop window which is in breach of the development regulations … he can remove the sign, turn it off, or make an application for approval.”

The sign causing all the trouble at Burnside fish and chip shop http://t.co/1vdvaSrt0z #newsadl pic.twitter.com/FDJnm7gokv — Eugene Boisvert (@eugeneboisvert) February 4, 2015

Senator Nick Xenophon yesterday planned to hold a media conference to highlight the case — and call for other examples of overzealous council fines — but cancelled when a sign company he had hired pulled out, fearing council reprisal.

Senator Xenophon had wanted to hire an electronic sign, similar to those used near roadworks, to use as a backdrop for his media event.

But it is understood that the company pulled their signs because they were worried about a council backlash.

The senator had planned to call for constituents to come forward with their own stories of overzealous council fines.

If Senator Xenophon decides to schedule a new press conference, Green Signs Hire owner Jason Zannit said he would happily donate one of his signs for use.

“I’ve spent half my life dealing with all different councils,” Mr Zannit said.

“They’ve all got different regulations — all the retailers crack up a stink.”