Installing roller shutters can dramatically improve the security of your business, but you might be unclear on whether or not you are able to have them installed.
The team here at Safe & Secure Roller Shutters are always informed about the rules and regulations surrounding roller shutters, so we’ve put together this guide to how planning permission affects the installation of roller shutters for your business.
Local authorities
When someone asks whether or not roller shutters 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 it’s worth contacting 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. These main considerations are:
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.
The quality of the shutters. Local councils recognise the need for security when it comes to commercial businesses, so are likely to have a problem with shutters of poor or inferior quality. The roller shutters available at Safe & Secure are of the highest quality and will quash any fears about the security they provide.
The quality of the local environment. Authorities want to maintain an area’s general appeal so they will likely want to make sure that your choice of shutters don’t negatively affect the surrounding area so shoppers aren’t 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 favourably 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 aren’t 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 shutters aren’t approved, the council will almost definitely look more favourably 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. Safe & Secure Roller Shutters offer top quality security grilles for your business, providing you with a durable, attractive means of security.
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, too. Again, it’s 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.
Your installer will likely have knowledge of the rules and regulations in the local area, so get in touch with them if you want to know more about what is likely to be accepted and what is a definitive no-go.
Safe & Secure Roller Shutters provide high quality commercial shutters to customers throughout North Wales. All our shutters are expertly installed and maintained, so you can rest assured that your business will be comprehensively secured from intruders. To discuss the installation of roller shutters at your business, or to discuss concerns about the installation of exterior shutters in your region, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced and friendly team.