Do You Need Planning Permission for Roller Shutters?

Roller shutters are a widely used security solution, which is immensely popular amongst property owners. Not only do roller shutters significantly increase the security standards of a property, but they are remarkably easy to use, highly durable, and offer a sleek, modern aesthetic.

But, in the majority of cases, UK councils will require the completion of an application and approval process, before exterior shutters can be installed.

This means that, if you want to install roller shutters in your property, you will need to check whether your local council requires you to request planning permission. To find out more about this process and what the next steps will look like, see our experts’ full guide to roller shutters planning permission below.

What are the current UK regulations and planning permission requirements for roller shutters?

The regulations and planning permission requirements for roller shutters vary from region to region. They will depend on the local council and its specific legislation.

So, to find out more about the requirements in place in your area, visit your local council’s website. In the majority of areas of the UK, the installation of roller shutters will require planning permission and approval.

When evaluating whether or not to grant planning permission, the following aspects of your proposed roller shutters will be considered:

• The aesthetics of your chosen roller shutters – if the shutters are deemed to impact the value of surrounding properties, you may be asked to choose an alternative, which is more attractive or visually appropriate.
• The quality of the roller shutters – the higher the quality of the roller shutters, the more likely the council is to grant their approval.
• The nature of your property – if your property is a historic building or a listed property, then getting planning permission will be significantly more difficult. We would recommend seeking the guidance of a specialist, to maximise the likelihood of successfully being granted planning permission.

If your roller shutters offer a high degree of security (and act as a deterrent to crime), are of a high quality and unobtrusive design, and your property is not listed, then it is unlikely that your council will refuse planning permission.

At Access Innovations, our team of roller shutter suppliers and installers will work closely with you, to offer specific guidance for your property. They will help you to find a best-fit solution, and support you through the planning permission process. Contact us for a quote!

What are the requirements when updating existing roller shutters?

When it comes to updating existing roller shutters, planning permission requirements will be dependent on the nature of the change, what you are replacing your existing roller shutters with, and if the intended purpose of the roller shutters changes.

In some cases, updating your roller shutters could be classed as within ‘permitted development rights’. If so, then you may not need planning permission for the update.

Permitted development rights are planning rules, which allow certain minor developments and changes to take place without the need for planning permission. These are designed to give property owners greater flexibility when making small alterations.

But, it is important that you confirm – either with a roller shutter specialist or your local authorities – whether or not your intended update falls under this classification.

When updating your roller shutters, the associated requirements will be determined by the following:

• If they fall under permitted development rights (see above for a definition)
• If the property is a listed building
• If the property is situated in a conservation area
• If the roller shutters will display advertisements – if this is the case, you may need to obtain advertisement consent.
• If the property’s use is changing – for example, if the property is being converted from a residential property to a commercial property.

Again, these regulations vary between local authorities, so you will need to check what specific requirements your local council has in place.

If you are uncertain about any of these regulations or requirements, we recommend speaking to a specialist.

What are the requirements for installing roller shutters on new developments?

In the case of new developments, the key requirements that you will need to consider include:

• Seeking planning permission from the local council.
• Complying with building regulations – these will govern the safety, accessibility and standards of the roller shutters.
• Adhering to any design or aesthetic guidelines that have been implemented by your local planning authority.
• Complying with safety and accessibility requirements.
• Ensuring the roller shutters achieve the required energy efficiency standards.

Furthermore, these will vary considerably, depending on the nature and purpose of the building, as well as its location and the specific requirements of your local council.

If you are adding roller shutters to a new development, then we highly recommend consulting with a professional. This could either be an architect, a planning consultant, or a roller shutter specialist. They will be able to advise you further about the requirements you need to meet, and how you can ensure that your project complies with all of the above.

Do internal roller shutters require planning permission?

Roller shutters can also be installed internally. One of the biggest benefits of internal roller shutters is that they do not require planning permission.

This is because internal shutters do not affect the property’s exterior – or the local area, or any of the surrounding properties – in any way. So, planning permission is not a requirement.

So, if your request to install external roller shutters has not been approved, then you may find that internal roller shutters present an alternative solution, which still unlocks many of the same key benefits.

If you have any further questions about the UK regulations surrounding roller shutters, or you would like to arrange the supply and installation of new roller shutters for your property, contact our team today!