Brian Barber Associates have been successful in securing planning permission at appeal for a new shop front for a pharmacy in Richmond. The property which is located in a Conservation Area has been the subject of enforcement action dating back several years following the installation of a shop front with external shutters. Through careful work with the architect, a sensitive alternative design was produced which addressed all of the issues which the Council had raised. Unfortunately, the subsequent application was refused and it became necessary to appeal which was ultimately successful.
In making his decision, the Inspector reached important conclusions on matters which are often only peripheral to planning decisions. Considerable evidence was presented in support of the appeal on problems of antisocial behaviour and burglaries which had been experienced at the appeal premises before the current security grilles had been installed and also at other properties in the vicinity. He concluded that this evidence, which was unchallenged by the Council, and the high importance of security to a pharmacy weighed in favour of the proposals. The Inspector concluded that the provision of the security shutters would contribute to creating a safe and attractive environment which would ultimately play an important part in protecting and enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
This decision is important in showing the need to provide comprehensive information on what, in planning terms, may appear as secondary matters. It is clear that issues such as security are directly relevant to national guidance seeking to create safe environments found, for example, in PPS1. It is important, therefore, to ensure that all of those facts are made clear in the appeal statement in order that they can be properly taken into account.
