A proposal to cut planning restrictions on retailers who want to install security shutters following the August 2011 riots has allegedly been scrapped by the government, for fear of creating "an unwelcoming environment" in towns.
Following last summer's riots - in which several home improvement stores were targeted all over the country - ministers were reportedly considering allowing retailers to install shutters outside their shop windows, cutting out the need to apply for planning permission. A consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has ruled out making this change, however, concluding it would be "a disproportionate over-reaction to the riots." The consultation further pointed out that other measures which did not require planning permission, such as laminated glass or internally-fitted shutters or grilles, offered more security and better deterred rioters.

A DCLG spokesman told DIY Week: "The Government has taken the strongest possible action to prevent rioting again, and will continue to do so. Police and councils advised that relaxing these rules could have the opposite effect and increase crime and anti social behaviour by giving high streets the appearance of being under siege.

"Town centres should be attractive and family friendly places to visit, and the current protections already available for shops offer more security and don't require planning permission."