Policy information sourced from City of London Local Plan

DM 10.5 Shopfronts

To ensure that shopfronts are of a high standard of design and appearance and to resist inappropriate designs and alterations. Proposals for shopfronts should:

  • respect the quality and architectural contribution of any existing shopfront;
  • respect the relationship between the shopfront, the building and its context;
  • use high quality and sympathetic materials;
  • include signage only in appropriate locations and in proportion to the shopfront;
  • consider the impact of the installation of louvres, plant and access to refuse storage;
  • incorporate awnings and canopies only in locations where they would not harm the appearance of the shopfront or obstruct architectural features;
  • not include openable shopfronts or large serving openings where they would have a harmful impact on the appearance of the building and/or amenity;
  • resist external shutters and consider other measures required for security;
  • consider the internal treatment of shop windows (displays and opaque windows) and the contribution to passive surveillance;
  • be designed to allow access by users, for example, incorporating level entrances and adequate door widths.

For more information please see the Local Plan