Vision

All shopfronts in Nottingham will be of high quality, durable and easy to maintain. Shopfronts in historic buildings should be restored to their original design wherever possible. Contemporary shopfronts may be acceptable if carefully designed, respecting the proportions and character of their setting.

NOTE: “Plans should set out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment…the wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits that conservation of the historic environment can bring…the desirability of new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness…opportunities to draw on the contribution made by the historic environment to the character of a place.” (NPPF 16.196).

Design Criteria

SF.1. Composition and proportions

SF.1.1 For renovations: demonstrate how historical research evidence informed proposals in terms of size, position, and separation; this applies to glazing, frames, doors and details (see Shopfront Gallery for examples). For new buildings: demonstrate how the proposals follow the Architectural Integrity principles.

SF.2 Shop windows

SF.2.1 For renovations: retain and conserve historic glass were possible. For all buildings: use anti-glare or anti-reflective, laminated glazing.

SF.2.2 Glazing only includes manifestation (see SF4.4) and main logo/business name. Promotions, advertisements and other glazing covering are not permitted unless glazing panels need to be obscured, in which case full specification and details were be submitted for planning approval.

SF.2.3 Full specifications and details were submitted for the planning approval of any internal, see-through shutters. External shutters/shutter boxes over glazing/fascia are not permitted under any circumstance.

SF2.4 Any doorways and shop window with a recessed porch can be closed off at night with mesh-like/gate-like security shutters and full specifications and details were submitted for the planning approval.

SF2.5 The shop window (glazing and frames) is in character with the local area and the city as a whole. Flat plywood, cladding, metal sheets or similar materials fixed onto the shopfront to shape glazing frames are not permitted under any circumstance.

SF.3 Technical quality

SF.3.1 For renovations: retain and conserve historic details. For new buildings: full materials specifications and details were submitted for planning approval.

SF.3.2 The intensity of proposed illumination must not be excessive, it must be carefully designed as an integral part of the design and in character with the area. Full specifications and details of the illumination type/style/intensity/system were submitted for planning approval.

SF3.3 Full specifications and details must be submitted for the planning approval of any external light fittings. Internally illuminated sign boxes, bulky lighting hoods and/or led scrolling signage are not permitted under any circumstance.

SF3.4 All projections (canopies, awnings, signs, etc.) are at 2.2m from the external finished floor level.

SF3.5 Full specifications and details must be submitted for the planning approval of any canopies/awnings. Plastic coated canopies and blinds are not permitted under any circumstance.

SF3.6 All colours used for the design of shopfronts are complimentary to the surroundings. When the business/brand colour is used, it is in combination with other colours contained within the urban landscape palette. If in doubt, please use a colour palette generating app (example) or discuss with your case officer.

SF3.7 Security/alarm fittings have been integrated in the shopfront design, not installed as an add-on.

SF4 Accessibility

SF4.1 Door openings are a minimum clear width of 800mm.

SF4.2 Access ramps are in gradients between 1:12 and 1:20.

SF4.3 Door kickplates have been included to protect the door from wheelchairs.

SF4.4 Manifestation to all glazing reaching floor level has been included (in line with Building Regulations K5.2).

SF4.5 Signs a clear and legible, with a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. Flat lettering spaced off the fascia can be difficult to read, and are therefore not permitted.