Policy information sourced from the Islington Development Management Policies

DM4.8 Shopfronts

Within Primary Frontages and Secondary Frontages premises shall provide and retain clear views into and out of shop window(s). Inset entrances on shopfronts should be glazed and well-lit, to contribute to the attractiveness, safety and vitality of the Town Centre and avoid blank frontages to the street.

The council will resist the removal of shopfronts of architectural or historic interest, particularly shopfronts listed on the Register of Locally Listed Buildings and Locally Significant Shopfronts.

The council will expect proposals for new shopfronts and alterations to existing shopfronts to demonstrate a high quality of design, which complements the original design, proportions, materials and detailing of the shopfront, surrounding street scene and the building of which it forms a part.

Blinds, canopies or shutters, where acceptable in principle, must be appropriate to the character of the shopfront and its setting. External security grilles will not normally be permitted. In conservation areas rigid and gloss finish blinds will generally be unacceptable.

Illumination to shopfronts must be sited and designed so as not to cause visual intrusion from light pollution into adjoining or nearby residential properties. Flashing internal or external lighting, and/or internally illuminated box lights will not be permitted.

Shop signage should generally be limited to the strip above the main shopfront and below the upper floor, plus one projecting sign at the same height. The council will resist proposals for further advertising additional to the name of the shop.

New shopfronts must be designed to allow equal access for all users, incorporating a Best Practice approach to access and inclusion. The use of pavements, where permitted, should not create an obstruction and should be designed so that the pavement is equally accessible for all users.

Proposals are required to take account of the council’s Shopfront Design Guide.

See also Policy DM2.6 (Advertisements).

For more information please see the Islington Development Management Policies