A policy review is under way over planning permission for metal roller shutters, used by Bradford city centre traders to protect their properties against criminals.

Enforcement action has been authorised against three businesses who put up the shutters without permission.

But the Bradford councillor in charge of planning wants to discuss the issue with police and businesses after concerns were raised by some traders.

A report to this week’s Bradford area planning panel reveals that adjoining shops in Godwin Street are facing enforcement action after the unauthorised installation of an external metal roller shutter blocking off an alley to a Grade II-listed building.

Similar action is pending after a phone shop in Ivegate and a pizza takeaway in Sticker Lane, Laisterdyke, installed similar shutters.

But traders were offered some sympathy by Councillor Val Slater, in charge of planning, who revealed a review was taking place.

She said: “I am looking to revise the current policy on roller shutters.

“It has not been looked at for a number of years, and I have got a small group of councillors together to look at the issue, particularly in these difficult economic times for businesses.

“We don’t want anything that makes it harder for them. Obviously, there are concerns they have about security. But we do have to balance that with the visual impact of shutters.”

Coun Slater said she wanted to work with police on the safe design of shutters, and added that concern for the businesses had prompted a review.

She said: “A combination of factors has prompted me to say we need a review of the policy. We need to work with the businesses themselves, as well as police and the companies that provide shutters. Hopefully we will get revised policies that recognise the needs of all parties.

“If the look of the shutters is right, that may be the way forward. But it wont be resolved in a couple of weeks. These things take time.”

Coun Slater confirmed that some traders had raised concerns about enforcement action over shutters.