Policy information sourced from the Lewisham Local Plan
QD11 Shopfronts
Strategic Objectives:
C A thriving local economy that tackles inequalities,
F Celebrating our local identity.
A Shopfronts (including their signs, canopies and security installations) must be designed to a high quality standard. Development proposals for shopfronts will only be supported where they do not adversely impact on local character, amenity and public safety.
B Development proposals for new shopfronts or alterations to existing shopfronts must:
- Retain, refurbish or reinstate shopfronts, or associated elements of architectural interest where these contribute to the distinctive visual or historic character of a building, townscape or area;
- Be of a proportion, scale and quality that responds to the character of the host building and, where relevant, adjoining properties;
- Use high quality materials and colours that are sensitive to local character; and
- Retain or provide glazed shop windows.
C Within Conservation Areas and residential areas, internally illuminated box fascia signs and projecting signs will not be permitted unless they successfully relate to the design and detailing of buildings and contribute positively to the distinctive character of a group of buildings or street.
D Development proposals for open shopfronts without a stall riser and glazed screen will be resisted.
E Development proposals for shopfront canopies that are fixed in the ‘down’ position will be resisted. Retractable canopies may be acceptable where they are designed to provide sufficient clearance.
F Shopfront security features, including roller grilles and shutters, must not be visually intrusive, create blank frontages or detract from the character of the host building and townscape. Where such installations are considered necessary development proposals should seek to use internally located, open mesh security shutters and boxes.
G Where proposals require a new shopfront as part of a mixed-use scheme, including reprovision of an existing unit, development will be expected to make provision for shopfront fit out.
H Development proposals for shopfronts must apply inclusive and safe design principles. They should retain and wherever possible enhance street level access and entrances, including access to upper floor residential, commercial and community uses.
I For shopfronts in Conservation Areas and Areas of Special Local Character or of Listed or Locally Listed Buildings, original historic shopfront windows and framework features should be retained or restored, where appropriate.
For more information and policy context please see the Lewisham Local Plan