Not an open and shut case
PLANNING officials have admitted they are powerless to act over dozens of unauthorised roller shutters installed across the city centre.
A recent review found 66 shutters had been fitted without planning permission.
However, most were installed more than four years ago, making them immune from enforcement action.
The review was triggered by a complaint that enforcement action being taken over a recent shutter fitted to a property without planning consent was unfair because of the number of illegal shutters in the surrounding area.
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The review looked at three Conservation Areas in the city centre, covering the Old Town, the Jameson Street area and the Georgian New Town.
A total of 78 roller shutters fixed to shops and offices were counted.
None of the 14 properties with shutters recorded in the Georgian New Town had planning permission in place and the majority had external fittings and fixtures which did not meet planning guidelines.
In a report, city planning manager Alex Codd said: "Overall, it is clear there are many external shutters within the city centre conservation areas.
"During the day these are not too noticeable, although they are becoming more evident as shops become vacant.
"Many of these do not meet the local plan policy guidelines and do detract from the overall appearance of the conservation areas, particularly within the older parts."
Mr Codd said the four-year rule covering enforcement action by council officials meant little could done to resolve the problem.
He said the council's planning policies encouraged shutters to sit within shop fronts and to conceal shutter boxes within fascias.
Mr Codd said: "It is important new shutters are better design- ed to relate to a property.
"However, the existing shutters should not be taken as a precedent to allow inappropriate designs."
Councillors in the authority's planning committee will discuss the issue at a meeting tomorrow.
6 Comments
by kwright
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 5:52PM
“i agree too ian lee adam ,if these shutters were not there you see the drunks on a night peeing in the doorways ,or broken windows which you do see”
by cantstandu
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 5:52PM
“Ok then why did planning officers not deal with it or at least monitor and record it”
by LeeH1
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 1:11PM
“couldnt agree more Ian
couldnt agree more Adam”
by Ianm_hull
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 12:34PM
“Bad over-ambitious planning by the council and the move to online retail. It's no great surprise shops are shutting up, they're better shuttered and secure than an open invitation for some window-smashing.”
by LeeH1
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 11:23AM
“There only done in because it shows the true state of our city.
They want them to look occupied to make it look better.
People of hull want to see the shutters but rolled up for 8hrs+ a day
with jobs oozing from these properties.
Planning ( a job that doesnt make money for the country but strangles it ) need to be revamped to allow more to happen as long as its a safe building or addition to a buiding”
by Adam089
Tuesday, February 19 2013, 8:41AM
“I think the empty shops are more of an eyesore than bloody roller shutters! Christ, the council really need to get a grip and focus on bringing more shops into the area, rather than wasting tax payers money on something so ridiculous!”