Roller shutters at Muriel Matters House, Hastings

“HS/FA/25/00105 Installation of roller shutters externally, to the 2 lower ground floor windows and the lower ground floor main entrance doorway. The shutters are to be operated by electric motors. The controls for the shutters will be located inside the building. Muriel Matters House Breeds Place Hastings TN34 3UY”

“AGENDA ITEM NO: 4 (b) Report to: PLANNING COMMITTEE Date of Meeting: June 2025 Report from: Planning Services Manager Application address:Muriel Matters House, Breeds Place, Hastings, TN34 3UY Proposal:Installation of roller shutters externally, to the 2 lower ground floor windows and the lower ground floor main entrance doorway. The shutters are to be operated by electric motors. The controls for the shutters will be located inside the building.”

“Site and surrounding area The site comprises a seven-storey building owned by Hastings Borough Council, with the information centre on the ground floor and office space above. This application relates to the ground floor level of the premises fronting A259 Breeds Place. The property is a mid 1960's concrete framed structure with cladding to the front elevation and brick work to the rear.”

“Proposed development This application proposes the installation of perforated lath roller shutters to the 2no.lower ground floor windows of the Hastings Brough Council contact centre and 1no. shutter to the front automatic doors. The shutters are to be finished in a white powder coat finish.”

“Application No.HS/FA/15/00393 Description Replacement of existing shop front windows, remodelling of entrance lobby and re-cladding columns and stall risers. Including alterations to staff entrance.”

“Determining issues The main issues to consider when determining this application are the impacts the proposed may have on the character and appearance of the area. a) Principle The site is in a sustainable location and the application is therefore in accordance with Policy LP1 of the Hastings Local Plan - Development Management Plan 2015 in this respect and acceptable in principle subject to other Local Plan policies.”

“This guidance states that external roller grilles may be acceptable provided that the box housing is concealed behind the fascia or incorporated flush beneath it. Where permitted, external roller shutters should be ‘open’ in design to allow vision through into the shop. Existing architectural features should not be obscured or interrupted by the box housing or guide channels and all associated components are coloured to match the shopfront.”

“The Planning Services Manager informed councillors they would need to consider if they find the application acceptable without an artistic design, and suggested the following informative advising the applicant to explore designs which might be effective in deterring potential graffiti: The applicant shall explore opportunities for different colour or design finishes that are more effective in deterring graffiti.”