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 Code

SF.1. Architecture

SF.1.1 Renovation proposals 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). New buildings proposals demonstrate how the Architecture principles are met.

SF.2 Shop windows

SF.2.1 Renovation proposals retain and conserve historic glass were possible. 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. There re no promotions, advertisements and other glazing covering glazing panels; if there were, full specification and details are submitted for planning approval.

SF.2.3 Full specifications and details of any internal, see-through shutters are submitted for the planning approval. There are no external shutters/shutter boxes over glazing/fascia.

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

SF2.5 The shop window (glazing and frames) is in character with the local area and the city as a whole. There is no flat plywood, cladding, metal sheets or similar materials fixed onto the shopfront.

SF.3 Technical quality

SF.3.1 For renovations, all historic details are retained and conserved. For new buildings, full materials specifications and details are submitted for planning approval.

SF.3.2 The intensity of proposed illumination must is excessive, it is carefully specified as an integral part of the design and in character with the area. Full specifications and details of the illumination type/style/intensity/system are submitted for planning approval.

SF3.3 Full specifications of any external light fittings and associated details are submitted for planning approval. There are no internally illuminated sign boxes, bulky lighting hoods and/or led scrolling signage.

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

SF3.5 Full specifications and details of any canopies/awnings are submitted for planning approval. There are no plastic coated canopies and/or blinds.

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 are 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 are included to protect the door from wheelchairs.

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

SF4.5 Signs are clear and legible, with a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. There is no flat lettering spaced off the fascia, as this can be difficult to read.