Policy GP/SF: Shopfronts

1. Existing historic shopfronts and features of architectural interest shall be retained where possible. 

2. Proposals for new shopfronts, signage and improvements to shopfront security should: 

  a. not detract from the character or appearance of the street as a whole; 

  b. respect the scale, proportions, architectural style, character and materials of the whole building and, where appropriate, adjoining buildings and the wider streetscene; 

  c. incorporate materials appropriate to the age and character of the building; 

  d. any advertising material is incorporated as an integral part of the design; 

  e. enhance natural surveillance and activate the frontage; 

  f. have regard to the guidance on shopfronts and signage in Appendix I: Shopfront guidance. 

3. Shops that are converted to residential or other non-residential uses should retain the existing shopfront and fenestration to provide natural surveillance of the street. 

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

has many exemplar shopfront designs ranging from 18th Century to the modern day. Shopfronts play a key role in establishing and defining the visual character of high streets and shopping parades. Historic shopfronts are a prominent feature of many of

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

’s conservation areas; applicants are advised to consider the impact of any changes within the

Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. You can find more information on the Councils’ websites:

Cambridge: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/conservation-areas 

South Cambridgeshire: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/planning/natural-historic-and-built-environment/historic-environment/conservation-areas/

, including alterations to shopfronts within these designated heritage assets. Some shopfronts can also form part of a

Structure considered by the Secretary of State (for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) to be 'of special architectural or historic interest' and included in a list of such buildings. The list is maintained by Historic England and is available on-line through the National Heritage List for England.

’s fabric or be designated heritage assets in their own right. Where a shopfront is listed or forms part of a

Structure considered by the Secretary of State (for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) to be 'of special architectural or historic interest' and included in a list of such buildings. The list is maintained by Historic England and is available on-line through the National Heritage List for England.

, special consideration will be given to the conservation of the shopfront and

Structure considered by the Secretary of State (for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) to be 'of special architectural or historic interest' and included in a list of such buildings. The list is maintained by Historic England and is available on-line through the National Heritage List for England.

consent will be required for any changes.

By requiring new shopfront proposals and improvements to align with the scale, architectural style, and materials of existing buildings, the policy ensures that development does not erode the historic or aesthetic value of the streetscape. Well- designed shopfronts and associated signage add to the character and quality of retail centres and play an important part in defining distinctive shopping areas. The integration of signage and security measures into a cohesive design helps prevent physically or visually intrusive alterations that could compromise the visual amenity of these environments and therefore signage should be subtle and complement the built environment. 

Furthermore, the policy promotes community safety and engagement by encouraging natural surveillance and active frontages. The retention of original shopfronts and window openings helps maintain visual connectivity between private spaces and the public realm. This visibility discourages anti-social behaviour and reinforces the perception of a lived-in, secure, and welcoming streets. Together, these provisions ensure that both existing and future developments contribute positively to the urban environment, preserving its historical character while supporting modern urban design principles. The architectural merit of buildings and the collective townscape qualities of the street can be eroded by poor-quality alterations or the unsympathetic replacement of shopfronts. 

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  A plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the development plan documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A local plan can consist of either strategic or non-strategic policies, or a combination of the two.

  : Topic Paper 5: Great Places

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Strategic

  A Heritage Impact Assessment is a tool used to evaluate how a proposed development may impact heritage assets.

  (2021)

We will consider all comments while developing the next version of the

A plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the development plan documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A local plan can consist of either strategic or non-strategic policies, or a combination of the two.

.

All comments must be received by 30 January 2026 at 5pm.