Council advises businesses on shopfront colour and design guidelines

Businesses operating in four market towns within Lincolnshire have been advised to adhere to revised guidelines concerning shopfront aesthetics. The South Kesteven District Council stated that this updated Shopfront Design Guide is applicable to the historical areas of Stamford, Bourne, Grantham, and Market Deeping. The guidance advises against employing vibrant or ‘garish’ colours and specific styles of projecting signage. The council indicated that this new guide, which revises previous recommendations established over two decades prior, was introduced subsequent to specific occurrences in Stamford. In February, the council instructed Peters’ Cleaners, located on St Paul’s Street in Stamford, to alter its shopfront’s paintwork. As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the combination of orange and blue paint, alongside a vinyl window dressing used by the business, was considered detrimental to the historical significance of the listed structure. Councillor Phil Dilks (Independent), who holds the cabinet position for planning, noted that although the council possessed Shopfront Design Guidance Documents for Bourne, Grantham, and Stamford, these had not undergone updates for almost 20 years. He informed the cabinet, “Many business owners don’t seem to be aware of relevant guidelines for shopfronts.” He further added, “It’s all about common sense; some things are simply not appropriate in conservation areas.” He issued a warning that the council would initiate legal proceedings if required. He stated, “At the end of the day, we will take legal action against those within the conservation areas if we have to, but we would rather people come and talk to us first.” Councillor Richard Cleaver (Independent), the cabinet member responsible for property and public engagement, commented, “People are very concerned that the signage and shopfronts are appropriate and in keeping with the character of Stamford.” The guidelines, slated for review in 18 months, additionally specify that the application of a specific colour on a shopfront in one part of the town does not assure its acceptance in all other zones. It further indicates that rigidly affixed boards or internally lit display boxes, despite their prevalence in shopping centres, seldom improve the distinctiveness of historic market towns and are deemed inappropriate for conventional shopfronts.