Policy information sourced from the Braintree District Council Local Plan 2013-2033.
LPP 55: Shop Fronts, Fascias, and Signs in Conservation Areas.
The Council will apply all the following policies for the control of fascias and signs in Conservation Areas:
- Large or unduly deep fascias will be discouraged as they tend to assume bold proportions, which detract from the vertical emphasis of historic and other buildings, particularly if applied across more than one frontage without an interval;
- Lettering and symbols should be in scale with both the building and any board or structure on which they are located. They should avoid enlarged type-faces and cramped spacing. Individual cast metal or cut-out serif letters are considered appropriate since they should not detract from the major focal interest of the facade and they have the added advantage of strong definition;
- Dominant or overpowering signs and those which appear unnecessary and repetitive will be resisted. In particular, many national identity signs are disruptive to domestic scale and inappropriate for Conservation Areas. Hanging signs may be acceptable where fascia signs are inappropriate;
- Any undue proliferation of advertisement displays will be opposed and signs above groundfloor level will normally be refused;
- All advertisements should be designed as an integral part of the host building and be of a size and design, which is in harmony with the character of the Conservation Area;
- Display windows should be sub-divided into areas which create proportional harmony and relate to the character and features of the building;
- Traditional materials should be used wherever possible;
- Inappropriate division of the buildings behind their facades will not be permitted;
- Stall risers should always be provided: They should be between 450mm and 700mm high and have a moulded projecting sill, to provide a strong junction with the glass.
For more information, please visit Braintree District Council’s Local Plan here.