A chippy in the district has won a long fight to keep its security shutters after two previous attempts failed.

A Government inspector ruled Stockbridge Arms Fish and Chip Restaurant – formerly known as Mother Hubbards – is entitled to retain the roller shutters.

The business, in Bradford Road, Keighley, had sought retrospective planning permission for the shutters in early 2017.

They had been installed after yobs smashed the windows of the premises.

But Bradford Council rejected the application, saying the scheme would result in “significant visual harm” to the building and surrounding area.

An appeal by the chippy against the decision was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate in autumn 2017.

At the time, Mark Whaites, a director of the restaurant, condemned the ruling, vowing the business would continue its battle.

Reacting to news that a Government inspector has come down in favour of the restaurant, he said: “We’re extremely pleased the inspector has used common sense.

“A few years ago our windows got put through and we had to pay about £3,000 to have them replaced.

“All we wanted to do was make our place secure. We also needed the shutters for insurance purposes.

“The shutters are rolled up for about 16 hours a day, so for most of the time you can’t even see them.

“We’ve had no objections from nearby residents.

"We’ve invested a lot into the building and improved the look of the area.

“We employ 15 people and are doing our best to make a living.

"We’ve finally got the right result, though it has cost us time and money.”

The inspector’s ruling states: “There are examples of roller shutters elsewhere in the area which, while not of the same scale as those here, are representative features of the commercial character of the north side of Bradford Road.

“I’m conscious of the need for consistency in decision making. But having considered the evidence, I’ve come to an alternative view to the previous inspector.

“I conclude the development does not have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area.”

A Bradford Council spokesman responded this week: “Our shop front policy was designed with the police and is very clear external solid shutters are discouraged because they create an unwelcoming effect on the street and can create a perception that an area is unsafe and attract anti-social behaviour.

“There are other ways to protect shop fronts than through using solid shutters.

"Where appropriate, lattice-style shutters can provide protection while lessening the impact on the street.

“It’s disappointing that the Government inspector has approved this retrospective planning application when we’ve won the vast majority of appeals on this issue.

"We advise companies to follow the guidelines in our policy, which are just as effective.”