A FRUSTRATED city centre cafe owner plagued by break-ins has been told he cannot install roller shutters to protect his business.

Arif Mehmood, of Smorgasbord Coffee Bar on Rawson Place, lodged an application with Bradford Council for the shutters, but was told: "The proposal is considered inappropriate development, which would be unacceptable in principle on this site because of its adverse effect on both the listed building and the conservation area."

In an impassioned plea to planners, Mr Mehmood tracked the mindless and damaging break-ins he has faced since he opened more than a decade ago. He said the number stands at 12.

"Smorgasbord is very popular with customers and it draws a lot of people to the top of town," said Mr Mehmood.

"As we all know the top of town has faced a downward turn since the opening of the Broadway shopping centre but Smorgasbord has managed to keep some of it alive.

"I just want it to stay that way and so that I can focus on improving and expanding my business creating employment and not to worry myself to death thinking about the security and safety of my business."

He added: "I’m requesting that you allow me to install the appropriate roller shutters in line with your requirements to help me protect my business. I would like internally mounted, but externally closing roller shutters so that my windows are doors are secure overnight."

Me Mehmood went on to say that the installation of the shutters on the inside will not protect the business against vandalism and is also "physically impossible" due to the type of windows which open to the inside of the cafe.

"This will render inside shutter installation impossible without putting a new shop front on, breaking the bulkhead inside, rewiring and structural work.

"This will require me to close the business for over a month. Again, the cost of this will run into tens of thousands of pounds."

He added that there are many shops in the city centre - some which are Grade II-listed - that have external roller shutters.

"I have a genuine need to protect my business and I am sincerely hoping that you would kindly look favourably on my request," he pleaded to the Council.

"I do not wish to break any laws or go against the grain of Council's planning policies but I feel that some flexibility can be introduced within the policies whereby the sanctity of Grade II listed can be maintained along with creating the flexibility for businesses to be able protect themselves and prosper. "

But in assessing the application, planning officers Julian Farrar said: "The proposal is considered inappropriate development, which would be unacceptable in principle on this site because of its adverse effect on both the listed building and the conservation area." He added: "Whilst it is noted that the aim is to secure the premises in view of a number of incidents, this is not considered sufficient reason to outweigh the identified concerns, because the resulting harm to the listed building would be substantial but with no balancing public benefits."

Bradford Council's policy on roller shutters in conservation areas and for listed buildings, states: "These areas and buildings are the foundation of Bradford's cultural identity and form some of the district's highest profile and established retail locations.

"The advice of this adopted document is that external shutters are not appropriate due to their harsh and intrusive appearance. Shutters are widely perceived to create a depressing and intimidating visual environment which can actually encourage crime. They convey an appearance of decline and degeneration and also present a negative impression of buildings such as this which are otherwise attractive and recognised as heritage assets of high historical importance.

"On this basis, 'it is unlikely the Council will grant planning permission or listed building consent for external security measures if the shop is within a conservation area or listed'."

Mr Mehmood said: "Disappointed is an understatement. What takes precedence? Security or aesthetics?"

He called for applications to be dealt with on a case by case - and needs - basis.

Another planning application has now been submitted to the Council. The Co-op in Queensbury has also fallen victim to the policy, despite "incidents at the store of break ins and threats to the staff".