Application to keep shutters on listed building refused

The latest application for the roller shutters at Smorgasboard café on Rawson Place was submitted late last year.

Applicant Arif Mehmood has been in a planning wrangle with the council over the shutters for years. He says the business has suffered from crime, and the shutters are the only way of preventing future incidents.

But previous plans have been refused, with planners arguing the installation of the shutters has harmed the appearance of the listed building.

An appeal against the latest refusal was dismissed by a Government inspector last year, and a fresh application was submitted in November.

That application has also been refused.

The shutters on Smorgasboard (Image: newsquest)

Officers said; “The shutters installed on this premises introduce a stark and hostile appearance to the ground floor facade when closed. This shows no design or aesthetic intent to respect the designated listed building and is in deep contrast to the architectural quality of the rest of the building.

“Compelling justification has not been provided as to the need for shutters and whether all other options and designs for security have been assessed.

“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.”