YES, NO….MAYBE!
Installing different roller shutter will reduce the risk of burglaries and breaking in of your business, but you might be unclear on whether or not you are able to have them installed.
We, at Majestic Shop Fronts are always trying to stay one step ahead regarding the rules and regulations and in this post, we provide some simple guidelines regarding planning.
Local authorities
When someone asks whether or not roller shutter need planning permission, the answer is usually unclear. Different local authorities will have different rules and regulations when it comes to shop fronts which could either make the installation of roller shutters either harder or easier. Before you attempt to go ahead with installation, you should contact your local authority to see what guidelines are in place and how that might affect your plans.
General guidelines
There are some general guidelines in place that most authorities will take into account when it comes to shop fronts. One of the main considerations includes the aesthetic appeal of your shop front. Most councils will want to maintain an attractive, welcoming exterior so it’s important to take this into account when looking for shutters for your business.
We, at Majestic Shop Fronts offer a variety of roller shutters, such as:
- Punched Hole Shutters, frequently used since they provide visual access to the display while securing the shop front.
- Rolling Grill Shutters, frequently used on commercial property, restaurants, bars, retail areas, and hotels.
- Perforated Shutters, used on commercial property, car parks and in retail areas. The see-through design allows visibility and airflow.
- Solid Roller Shutters, are one of the best options to keep the office, business premises or parts of your home as secure as possible.
- Industrial Shutters, are used for factories, garages, storage, warehouses, schools, hospitals or any other area requiring the highest level of security.
- Polycarbonate Shutters are great for commercial use; retail, supermarkets, urban conservation areas and 24-hour banking areas.
Local councils recognize the need for security when it comes to commercial businesses.
Authorities want to maintain an area’s general appeal so they will likely want to make sure that your choice of shutters doesn’t negatively affect the surrounding area so shoppers are not deterred from visiting.
Internal shutters and security grilles
Roller shutters can be installed internally, which will entirely negate the need for planning permission. Many councils look favorably on internal shutters because they do not disrupt the appeal of the exterior of the shop front or the surrounding area. However, if you find that internal shutters are not suitable, you will be more likely to have external roller shutters accepted.
As we’ve said before, councils are aware of the need to strengthen the security of any business, so stressing the importance of roller shutters to security, along with proof that internal shutters are not feasible, will help in your claim.
If exterior roller shutter are not approved, the council will almost definitely look more favorably on security grilles. This is largely due to their perceived aesthetic appeal. They allow a lot more light through and they are less likely to be targeted by graffiti artists. Councils approve of the way security grilles allow customers to window shop during closing hours and how they maintain a welcoming aesthetic when installed.
Historical or listed sites
If your shop is a listed or historical property then external changes will likely not be allowed, and many internal changes will have to be reviewed, as well. Again, it is worth checking with the local council to see if your proposed changes interfere with the rules for listed properties. Usually, changes are turned down because of the way they impact the character of the building or street. If you believe that your choice of roller shutters doesn’t have much of an influence on the building’s character, you may want to stress that point when applying for installation.
Your manufacturer and installer may be of help in this process, so it is also worth discussing it with them beforehand.
