COUNCILLORS are to visit a Wisbech pharmacy before deciding whether the business in the town’s conservation area can erect a security shutter and new aluminium shop front.

The application from Fairbrothers Pharmacy in Church Terrace is being opposed by officers of Fenland District Council, who say it is out of keeping and would be detrimental to the area.

But members of the planning committee decided on Wednesday to defer a decision for a site visit.

A report said the premises “are not considered to be at significant crime risk” and its current internal shutters and toughened glass could be used to overcome the risk of crime.

A police architectural liaison officer says the only burglary at the shop in the last year was carried out through the glass in the front door, and an internal grille or shutter would have prevented the incident. Its internal shutter was not used at the time of the offence.

The officer added: “The crime risk of burglary to this property, which shutters or grills would prevent, is moderate.”

Two councillors attended the meeting to speak in support. Councillor David Hodgson said 17 shops in the town centre already have security shutters, and Councillor Simon King said: “I am not a fan of external shutters, but there are modern external shutters that are quite acceptable.”