MARK McLAUGHLIN
Evening News (Edinburgh)
June 22, 2010, Tuesday
A JEWELLER is being forced to remove security shutters he put up after a spate of attempted break-ins - because they do not have planning permission.
Mohammed Aslam, owner of Aslam Jeweller on Leith Walk, said his store had been targeted by thieves several times.
However, he failed to secure proper planning permission, and as a result an enforcement notice has been issued ordering him to take the shutters down.
Mr Aslam has now applied for retrospective permission to keep the shutters in place, but his hopes have been dealt a severe blow after city planners recommended his application be refused on the grounds shutters "do no preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Leith conservation area".
Mr Aslam's planning consultant Derek Scott said: "We obviously disagree with the planners' assertion that the shutters have an adverse effect on the conservation area. Contrary to the planning officers' views it is actually an improvement to the character of the area, and there are plenty of other roller shutters on the street. They are an established part of Leith Walk.
"There's a fundamental requirement for some form of security on the premises but the council has served an enforcement notice which will effectively leave us without any.
"Due to structural pillars it's not possible to mount the shutters internally, as the council would prefer, and a removable metal grille is not an option for a jewellers because it does not protect the glass. Therefore, we hope the elected members will support us in our application to keep this premises secure."
Mr Aslam is calling on councillors at tomorrow's planning committee to take into account a 34-name petition and nine letters from neighbouring businesses in support of the roller shutters, and reject the recommendation of head of planning John Bury to refuse the retrospective planning permission.
Mr Bury said: "Taking into account the supporting statement and letters of support for this development, it is still considered that the solid roller shutter and external projecting housing fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.
"The roller shutter and external projecting housing do not comply with the development plan and non-statutory guidelines. Neither the character nor appearance of the conservation area is preserved or enhanced by the development. It is recommended that the committee refuses the proposal."
Leith Business Association's Gordon Burgess sympathised with Mr Aslam's plight but said: "Rules are there for a reason. I've spoken to the owner and he's now aware he should have gone down the appropriate road. Despite the fact he's running a jewellers and needs security, he must abide by the law."
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