A BOURNEMOUTH jeweller is celebrating after winning a three-year battle to protect his customers and valuable merchandise from the elements.

In an impassioned plea to civic planners, Leonard Segal, who has traded at Westover Jewellers in Gervis Place since 1988, said sunlight “ruined certain gems.”

As well as safeguarding jewellery on display in the listed building’s shop window, Mr Segal said a Regency-style canopy would also protect his clients from foul weather.

To back up his argument, he showed councillors photographs of canopies above the premises dating back 139 years, stressing: “It was good enough for the planners of 1871.”

Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce supported Mr Segal’s application for a replacement shop window canopy and listed building consent.

In a letter to the planning board, President Nigel Hedges said: “The chamber supports the need for such a blind for protection not only of customers in inclement weather but the protection of stock, such as light-sensitive topaz. in sunny weather.”

Board members heard how a Dutch-style canopy currently erected outside the premises was unauthorised after an application for planning permission was refused and upheld on appeal.

Mr Segal said his long battle with the planners had already cost him more than £3,000.

But the council’s planning and conservation officers maintained that the replacement canopy was “still unacceptable,” “spoiled the façade” and “created clutter to the frontage.”

However, town centre councillors supported Mr Segal. Cllr Bob Chapman said: “This issue has been rumbling on for nearly three years. It is a nonsense and must be resolved.” Cllr David Smith shared his sentiments, adding: “There has to be a sense of realism and practicality. It is crucial this is granted.”

Despite their officer’s recommendation to refuse permission for the new canopy, a move by Cllr Smith, seconded by the board’s vice-chairman Ron Whittaker, to grant approval was carried by nine votes to one.