Newark Town Council planning committee objects to Koinonia plans after security shutter deemed “not acceptable” by Newark and Sherwood District Council conservation officers
Plans to install security shutters at town centre business to protect its window from being smashed have been objected to for a second time due to conservation rules.
Indian restaurant Koinonia, on the corner of St Mark’s Lane and Lombard Street, is applying for permission to install new shutter boxes and security shutter over their existing street facing windows.
The business has previously been the target of anti-social behaviour and needed to replace smashed windows at cost.
In January, Newark Town Council’s planning committee objected to the plans on the grounds that there would be a “negative aesthetic impact”, and that the design of the shutters was “too intrusive” for a building situated within the Newark conservation area.
The committee has now objected to the plans for a second time after reviewing comments made by a conservation officer, who said: “The conservation team has concerns with the proposed shutter, due to the addition of a solid modern shutter and projecting shutter box, which will have a negative affect on the appearance of the building and its contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
Although the officer acknowledged that the building itself was not of any particular merit, it was explained that the sdesign goes against conservation rules laid out in district supplementary planning documents which provide “guidance on shopfront security, outlining that external roller shutters are not acceptable due to the impact on the character of the building and its contribution to the local area.”
Neil Ross said: “They have had their windows smashed and we do feel for them.
“The design is very modern — I would be in favour of other solutions instead of this.
Committee chairman Lisa Geary, who was not present when the plans were first reviewed, added: “I’m concerned about broken windows and people having to put up with it.”
Members chose to maintain their original objections, but described Koinonia as “an asset to the town” and would welcome an alternative, less intrusive design.