Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies

Policy DLP30 Shop Front Security

1. The Council will support a hierarchical approach to shopfront security with the preference for other security measures being fully exhausted before resorting to physical barriers such as an external grille or shutter. Early discussions with the local planning authority are actively encouraged. 

2. When considering security for a shopfront the following principles should be applied:  
   1. Within conservation areas, on listed and locally listed building, or where proposals affect the appearance or setting of a Heritage Asset, external roller grilles or shutters will not be permitted. 
   2. Security requirements should be carefully considered and integrated in the design of all new or replacement shopfronts, using the established Secured by Design approach.  
   3. Security fixtures should not be located on architectural features of the shopfront or building. Alarm boxes and security cameras, where deemed appropriate, should be positioned unobtrusively, having regard to the symmetry of the building.  
   4. Priority should be given to integrating physical measures (such as stallriser, smaller paned glass with mullions and transoms, the use of toughened or laminated glass etc.) into the design of existing and new shopfronts.  
   5. If additional security is deemed necessary priority should be given to the use of discreetly designed and retractable internal security shutters/grilles. 
   6. In circumstances where external security measures are agreed to be necessary, demountable external grilles of a visually appropriate design and colour should be considered.  
   7. To secure recessed doorways, retractable or folding gates can be used, however the use of roller shutters or in recessed doorways would be not supported.   
       
3. External roller grilles or shutters will only be accepted if it has been clearly demonstrated that all other security options have been fully exhausted and where a departure from this stance can be justified. The Local Planning Authority will work with applicants to consider these options. In these circumstances, external roller grilles or shutters would only be acceptable if designed in accordance with the following guidelines:  
   1. It must be of a design that allows for the shop window display to remain clearly visible behind. 
   2. The use of solid or perforated roller shutters for shopfronts would not be supported. 
   3. Shutters must not extend beyond the span of the shop window and must be contained within an area defined by the fascia and pilasters of the shop front.  
   4. Shutter box housings and guide channels should form an integral part of the shopfront design and be concealed behind the fascia or should be set back flush with the shopfront. Where visible they should be finished in a colour to match that of the shopfront.
   5. The installation of shutters should not result in the loss, removal or inappropriate alterations of an historic shopfront.