PLANS to install ‘lift-off’ security grilles at the front of electrical appliances store Harry Garlick in High Street, Skipton, have been refused permission by Craven District Council.

The business, which also has a branch in Barnoldswick, also wanted to retain the projecting fascia board above the shop window, used to store a roller shutter blind.

The security grilles were to be used Monday to Saturday, when the shop is closed, from 5pm to 9am, and on Saturdays, from 5pm to 9am on Monday. Their use was also proposed on some bank holidays.

Skipton Town Council opposed the scheme because of the impact of the grilles on the street scene and suggest that the applicant ‘organises the appropriate internal security’.

Craven District Council has now refused permission because of the impact of the security grilles on the conservation area and nearby listed buildings, including the statue of Sr Mathew Wilson.

In 2016, it refused retrospective permission for a roller-shutter blind at the store, which a year later was upheld on appeal.

In an officer report, the council says: “The proposed development would not follow the general design principles for new/alterations to shop fronts.

Moreover, it would cause less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Skipton Conservation Area, and the setting and significance of grade II listed Statue of Sir Mathew Wilson, which is not outweighed by the public benefits.”