High street shutters an eyesore

An unsightly security grill installed on a Putney shop front is set to come down after councillors authorised enforcement action.

The solid metal shutters were erected outside a convenience store at 10 Putney High Street. The building is opposite St Mary's Church and falls within the Putney Embankment conservation area, yet the shop's owner has refused three written requests by the council to remove the shutters.

The council's design guidelines recommend internal security measures for shops in sensitive locations. The planning applications committee (September 18) said the shutters were an eyesore and should be removed.

Planning chairman Ravi Govindia explained:

"This type of solid metal barrier creates a bleak impression which detracts from the appearance of other retail premises. We would much rather resolve abuses in a cooperative way but where the council's guidelines are being repeatedly ignored we have no choice but to take firm action."

The committee concluded that the shutters spoilt the character of the conservation area and the council will now take legal action to enforce their removal.

For more information visitwww.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning ref 2002/0457

26th September 2003