Grimsby jeweller wins bid to install shutters despite protest that 'fortress' appearance will attract graffiti

 

Artist's impression of how the shop will look when it is open. The shutters will operate after closing time

IT'S all-systems-go as long-established Grimsby retailer Nidd & Son prepares to move house.

The firm is relocating to 30 Victoria Street because the shop where it currently trades is due to make way for proposed redevelopment of Old Market Place .

Planning consent has been given for a makeover of the  destination premises - including the installation of black roller shutters - despite objections from North East Lincolnshire Council's heritage officer, Louise Jennings, who commented: "Shutters are a very undesirable solution to security in a Conservation Area."

She continued: "It is important to create an attractive and welcoming street scene. 

"As well as creating a fortress-like appearance, shutters are liable to attract graffiti and spontaneous damage, prevent window shopping and reduce casual surveillance by the public. 

"The installation of roller shutters can even exacerbate the problem of anti-social behaviour by creating such a hostile-looking environment."

There are already premises on Victoria Street with shutters, but Ms Jennings does not believe their example should set a precedent.

She states: "Our changing town centres are increasingly becoming areas where people live or will live  in the very near future as opportunities to utilise accommodation above shops becomes more popular,

"A town centre where shops are shuttered after 5pm will not be conducive to creating an environment where people  want to live."

It is understood that one of the reasons why Ms Jennings' appeal was overruled by the planning case officer is that the absence of shutters might have deterred  potential insurers of the new shop and its valuable wares.