The owners of an off-licence are embroiled in a dispute with a council over a roller shutter they put up to "protect their business".

Mehdi Mohebi's business, International Food Store in Upper Olland Street, Bungay, is Grade-II listed and is in the town's conservation area.

Mr Mohebi's metal rollers are not allowed under East Suffolk Council's listed building content policy.

The council issued an enforcement notice on March 17, 2022, telling Mr Mohebi to remove the shutter, which the shop owner has appealed.

The council says that the shutter "negatively impacts the character" of the building, is an "unacceptable feature" and could cause "harm" to the structure.

It also claims that the lettering on the shutter is "modern" and therefore not in keeping with the character of the conservation area.

But Mr Mohebi says the shutter did not cause structural damage to the early 18th-Century building, and it protected his business.

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Beccles & Bungay Journal: Pictured is the metal shutter installed on the shop front exteriorPictured is the metal shutter installed on the shop front exterior (Image: Bruno Brown)

He says his shop is "vulnerable" due to the large range of alcoholic drinks inside and the shutter provides security.

Mr Mohebi also denies knowing the building was listed and that planning permission would be required when he took it on and installed the shutter.

He said the original "shop front and fascia are retained unaltered" behind the installation.

He said he would be happy to remove the shutter "should the International Food business cease trading".

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Upper Olland Street in Bungay, with International Food pictured on the rightUpper Olland Street in Bungay, with International Food pictured on the right (Image: Bruno Brown)

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Bungay Town Council suggested the district council should wait two years before taking enforcement action, which the authority ignored.

East Suffolk Council has not yet ruled on the appeal.

The business, and Mr Mohebi, was approached for comment but did not respond.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Another shot of the metal roller attached to the shop frontAnother shot of the metal roller attached to the shop front (Image: Bruno Brown)