Dentist can keep “ugly” shutter if it is whitened

More than £300,000 has been invested in the business at Burntwood Road, Norton Canes, and security is “of primary concern”, a report to Cannock Chase Council’s planning committee said.

But while roller shutters on commercial buildings are not unusual, their installation on properties in residential areas “would not normally be acceptable”, the report added. And the dental practice is in the end building of a row of homes.

The report said: “Investment is planned to develop the facilities further in the future. Part of this investment includes high-tech equipment that will be installed and used in the running of the premises.

“The Care Quality Commission also have specific requirements as to how the applicant ensures payment information is kept secure. This can be addressed with roller shutters.

“During the course of the refurbishment works, the applicant has stated that they have had a number of thefts which took place and which added additional costs to the project.

“Internal roller shutters would not be appropriate at this location. This is because other members of the community have advised of security issues that they have faced with the nearby Co-op, hairdressers, pharmacy, local convenience store and bakery all experiencing issues with broken or smashed windows which internal shutters would not protect.

“Also, external shutters act as a visible deterrent.”

A resident and Norton Canes Parish Council both objected to a retrospective application to keep the shutter.

The resident said: “The shutter grill covering this door is of an ugly industrial type. The people have installed a fence panel by the front door but this does little to improve the look of the set up.”

The parish council said: “We are concerned that no previous planning application was applied for with regard to the installation of this roller blind. We note that the Enforcement Officer did attend the site following concern from residents and the parish council.

“Our concern is that the roller shutter at the front of the building is made of industrial material and affects the street scene which is made up of mainly residential houses.”

But planning committee members gave the go-ahead for the shutter to stay – on the condition it is finished in a matt white powder coated colour within three months of the permission.

Councillor Zaphne Stretton said: “I see this every day and it did look a bit of an eyesore. But if they paint it white it will make a difference.”

Councillor Alan Pearson said: “With a coat of paint it will look better.”