A shopkeeper has won a battle to keep security shutters up to protect his business.

Chris Dancey was told he would have to remove the £3,000 shutters from his Supernews newsagents in Brighton after he was refused retrospective planning permission for them.

Mr Dancey sent in a second application to Brighton and Hove City Council explaining he had suffered numerous breakins and smashed windows before he installed the shutters four years ago.

He also presented a petition with more than 1,250 signatures from local people and customers all supporting him and agreeing there was a problem with crime in the area.

Council planners subsequently backed down and Mr Dancey has been told he has can keep the shutters.

A report by planning officers said that while they were out of keeping with the area and their appearance would normally be unacceptable, there was sufficient justification on the grounds of public safety.

Mr Dancey said: "It is a victory for common sense.

"Nobody normally chooses to pay out thousands of pounds for a security system unless they have very good reason to.

"There is a problem here and I need the shutters to protect my business.

"The police also backed me and said the shutters were necessary.

"I am very grateful for all the support people have shown me in signing the petition and registering their backing.

"It really helped with my campaign.

"I think once the council realised the sorts of problems I was having they understood why I needed the extra security and gave me the go ahead.

"It is a pity I was not approached the first time round by someone from the planning office so I could explain things and be advised on what to do.

It might have saved a lot of time, energy and expense on both sides.

"I am delighted this story is now over at last and I can get on with running my business and protecting it."

Mr Dancey must paint the shutters with anti-graffiti paint so they blend in with surrounding properties near the shop in Ditchling Road, Fiveways.

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokeswoman said: "Normally the council would not approve an application for solid shutters.

"However, after careful consideration and taking into account the support from the police, permission was granted on the grounds of public safety
Thursday, January 19, 2006