CLG abandons plans to allow shop shutters without planning permission

Ministers have announced a U-turn on plans announced in the wake of last year’s riots to allow shop owners to install metal shutters without planning permission.

David Cameron announced the plan last year when he told parliament that planning rules make it difficult for shops to install protective shutters.

A consultation was launched shortly afterwards which proposed allowing metal shutters and other security measures to be installed without the need for planning permission.

CLG chief planner Steve Quartermain also wrote to local authorities asking them to prioritise applications for metal shutters.

Groups including English Heritage and Civic Voice raised concerns at the time that the “knee-jerk” response could damage the appearance of high streets.

But a CLG spokesman has now confirmed the plans have been dropped after the department concluded it would be a “disproportionate over-reaction”.

A CLG spokesman said: “The government has taken the strongest possible action to prevent rioting again, and will continue to do so.

“Police and councils advised that relaxing these rules could have the opposite effect and increase crime and anti social behaviour by giving high streets the appearance of being under siege.

“Town centres should be attractive and family friendly places to visit and the current protections already available for shops offer more security and don’t require planning permission.”

Responses to the consultation noted that shutters did not deter rioters and that other measures such as laminated glass are already possible without planning permission.