A CHIPPY told it cannot keep its security shutters has vowed to fight the ruling.

Mother Hubbard's had sought retrospective planning permission for the roller shutters, installed after yobs smashed the windows of the Bradford Road, Stockbridge, Keighley, premises.

But Bradford Council threw out the application, saying the scheme would result in "significant visual harm" to both the building and the surrounding area.

And an appeal against the council decision has now been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

This week Mark Whaites, a director of Mother Hubbard's, hit out at the ruling and pledged to continue his battle to retain the shutters.

He has received the backing of Councillor Michael Westerman, chairman of Keighley Town Council's watch and transport committee.

"I think it's absolutely disgusting the way he's been treated," said Cllr Westerman.

"If anyone from Bradford bothered to come out and just walk along that stretch of road, they would see every business premises has shutters.

"Mark is trying to run a business and support the community, and this is how he's repaid.

"In the aftermath of the Boxing Day floods in 2015, which so badly affected Stockbridge, Mother Hubbard's was a community focal point.

"It gave away fish and chips to soldiers and firefighters who were helping with the clean-up and was central to the relief effort.

"I'll be writing as an individual to the Secretary of State expressing my disgust at this decision and I'd encourage other people to consider doing the same."

Mr Whaites, 47, said he felt the business had been treated unfairly and refutes the suggestion the shutters are not in keeping with the surroundings.

He also challenges a council claim that they cause the site's frontage to be vulnerable to anti-social behaviour and crime.

"The reason we got them installed in the first place was because of the vandalism to the windows," he said.

"No one has made any complaint to me about how they look.

"Also, they're only down from late at night – when most people are ready for bed – until about seven o'clock in the morning.

"I just feel there's no justification for the decision.

"You do your best to earn a living and this is how you get treated. Bradford Council should be supporting businesses.

"We employ 15 staff and we've invested a substantial amount of money in the place.

"We're trying to support the community and be a part of it and we have a good, loyal customer base."

He added: "I don't feel this decision is right and we'll continue to contest it."

The Keighley News contacted Bradford Council for a comment, but no response had been received as we went to press.