Shopfront design and character

Shopfronts contribute significantly to the overall character and appearance of an area and therefore require careful consideration to ensure they make a positive contribution to the city's sense of place and local distinctiveness. Ever-changing commercial pressures have resulted in a rise in alterations and replacement shopfronts on our high streets and local retail cores, managing this change is essential to the vitality and character of these areas. New and replacement shopfronts should complement the design of the host building and relate to the elevational qualities of the upper floors and where appropriate characteristics and detailing of neighbouring shopfronts, particularly in the case of listed buildings and areas of built heritage including conservation areas and areas of townscape character.