Appendix I: Shopfront guidance

Fascias 

The fascia is traditionally the place where the retailer conveyed the essential message of the shop name and what it was selling. Usually signs were written with lettering hand painted onto the timber fascia, this remains in most instances, the best way of displaying the retailers name in traditional shopping streets. 

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.

Policy GP/SP encourages signs that respect the character of the building and area as a whole. In achieving this requirement, it is advised that fascia signs should not extend through more than one adjacent shop unit. Additionally, signs should not remove, hide or destroy the proportions or architectural features of the building. 

The shape of the fascia and the architectural detailing all need to be carefully taken into account when considering signage. It is important to use materials that respect those of the original building. Usually, the fascia will be constructed of the same materials as the rest of the shopfront. In ‘traditional’ shopfronts (up to around 1940) they will generally be made of timber, though coloured glass or tiles were sometimes used. In some cases, the whole shopfront may be of stone or marble. 

High quality materials, if used sensitively, can be successful on both modern and traditional buildings. Plastics, modern cladding materials and aluminium will rarely be appropriate on listed buildings, in Conservation Areas or on traditional buildings. 

Lettering size, materials and typefaces should be appropriate to the building. On traditional buildings with timber fascias, sign writing directly on to the fascia board or individually mounted letters will usually be appropriate. The latter should also be used where the fascia is of masonry. The size of the letters should be in proportion to the depth of the fascia. They should not fill the entire fascia. The typeface should be appropriate to the character of the building, and the text should be restricted to the proprietor's name, the nature of the business and the shop number, not the brand names of goods for sale. 

In special cases, alternative forms of signage will be considered. On buildings without shopfronts, letters mounted individually to the wall, name boards, lettering directly on to the glass, or signs hung behind the shop window may be appropriate, depending on the character of the building. Where the upper floors have a different use to the ground, lettering on the glass is likely to be the only form of sign acceptable above ground floor. This can be supplemented by a small sign at the ground floor entrance door to the upper floor(s). Individually mounted letters are usually appropriate on buildings not originally designed as shops. When illumination is necessary, they can often be discreetly halo-lit. 

Due to their overpowering and harmful effect in many areas, certain glossy or reflective metal or plastic fascia signs and letters are often inappropriate. Specifically, modern prefabricated fascia panels and lettering tend to clash with the character of historic shopping streets and are unsuitable for older buildings. 

Boxed-out fascia signs, commonly internally illuminated, are inappropriate for historic shopfronts and most older buildings, particularly those located within Conservation Areas or that are listed. In other locations, poorly designed and crudely detailed boxed- out fascia signs will generally be discouraged. 

Cornices 

Traditional fascias typically feature a moulded projection above them. In classical architecture, this projection is called a cornice. In traditional shopfront designs, the cornice serves both functional and decorative purposes. Often covered in lead, the projecting cornice provides a durable, weatherproof seal between the building and the shopfront below, while also neatly finishing the top of the shopfront. 

Textbox 276, TextboxIn many cases, the cornice was designed to house a traditional canvas roller blind, which was once a practical and charming element of many shopping streets. 

Console 

The console, a traditional feature of shopfronts, was designed to create a neat junction between the pilasters and the fascia. It served as a visual stop for both the main horizontal and vertical elements of the shopfront, helping to highlight the fascia. Visually, the console provided sturdy support for the fascia that extended across the opening above the shop window. Late Victorian and Edwardian shopfronts often featured large, elaborately crafted, and intricately detailed consoles. 

Pilasters 

Pilasters serve as the vertical visual supports for both the fascia and the structure above, framing the shop window and stallriser. In traditional streets, which typically emphasize vertical lines, large spans and wide shop windows without intermediate pilasters or columns can appear visually weak and disrupt the overall vertical rhythm by creating an unwelcome horizontal emphasis. When shopfronts had wide frontages, secondary pilasters were often added to maintain proper proportions. New shopfronts should include pilasters that reflect historical proportions and materials – typically timber- supporting fascias and cornices. Detailing must extend through the full height of the shopfront, providing coherent architectural form and reflecting traditional shop front design. 

Stallrisers 

The stallriser (or stall board) provided a traditional shopfront with a visual grounding and raised the shop window glass above potential damage from physical contact and dirty water splashes. This elevation also allowed the interior display floor to be raised, improving visibility of the items on display. 

Stallrisers should be preserved and repaired unless they a beyond all reasonable repair. Materials used for the stallriser should be appropriate and harmonious with the rest of the shopfront and building. Timber panelled stallrisers should be constructed using traditional methods rather than simply applying ‘timber-framed’ mouldings, which can look artificial. When bricks are used, their type and bonding pattern should match those of the building; modern stretcher bond patterns are generally discouraged. 

Where modern stall risers have replaced originals, reinstatement in timber, or matching historic stone brick or other material, is encouraged to align with the upper detailing. New stall -risers should be proportionate, weatherproof and match the rest of the shopfront, avoiding oversized or reflective materials. 

Windows 

While the primary purpose of a shop window is to showcase goods, it also serves several other important functions: clearly indicating the building’s use as a shop, providing protection from the weather, and allowing natural light and views into the interior. 

Traditionally, shop window frames were made of timber, with a sturdy sill creating a strong connection between the stallriser and the glass. The overhang and drip detail helped shield both the window and stallriser from damage. In Georgian and Regency shopfronts, sills were typically flat, whereas Victorian shopfronts featured more pronounced, rounded sills. 

When there is a large display area behind the windows, careful attention should be paid to the sides, back, and floor of the display, as these elements significantly impact the street scene. Conversely, if there is no display area or if checkouts are located close to the window, the shopfront design should accommodate this. Adding extra mullions, transoms, and decorative glazing bars can help reduce the visual effect of having little or no display behind the windows. 

Reflective or mirrored glass is discouraged, with clear, low-reflectivity glazing recommended to allow transparency and preserve active frontages. 

Doors and ironmongery 

Original timber doors and accompanying ironmongery are fundamental to the character of historic shopfronts and should be retained and restored where possible. If replacement is required, new doors should be replaced ‘like for like’, formed of timber, with appropriate detailing, reflecting the original age and design of the original shopfront. 

Traditional timber panelled doors not only preserve the character of the shopfront but can also meet fire resistance standards through sensitive upgrading. For new doors, hardwood or durable softwood is recommended. Ironmongery including hinges, locks, handles, kick plates should be restored and reused where possible or replaced with ‘like for like’ when beyond repair and should exclude unsympathetic materials such as modern plastic or non-traditional metals. Where accessibility upgrades are required, these should be integrated sensitively to preserve design integrity. Self-closers and mechanisms should be discreet and calibrated to preserve historical appearance. 

Materials and finishes 

Traditional materials and finishes must be conserved. New finishes should be appropriate to the design and age of the shopfront. Where a traditional shop front existed, painted timber should be used for stall risers, pilasters, fascia’s, glazing bars, and other architectural detailing. In situations where materials such as coloured glass, tiles, stone, marble, ceramics or vitrolite were historically present, these should be conserved or reinstated with matching materials and detailing. Modern materials such as plastics, aluminium cladding, or reflective metals are unacceptable on historic shopfronts. 

Where non-original materials are found, these should be removed and replacement with high quality, traditional alternatives. To ensure appropriateness, material samples should be provided, with onsite sample panels used to test finishes before full application. 

Colour 

Colours that are out of character with the building or area will be discouraged. While the desire to use corporate colour schemes is understood, the rigid application of modern colours can be at odds with the character of traditional buildings. In such cases, shopkeepers will be encouraged to restrict their corporate colours to the lettering and detail only, rather than covering the entire fascia. Paints of high quality are essential to both showcase detailing and protect timber surfaces. Where required by accessibility standards, contrasting colours should be used on door edges, steps, and thresholds to assist users with visual impairments. The aim should be to enhance architectural detailing while harmonising with adjacent buildings and the wider streetscape. 

Blinds and canopies 

Many traditional shopfronts (especially those dating from the Victorian era) had canvas blinds built into them. The housing for these was incorporated into the cornice or occasionally the architrave of the shopfront. The purpose of these was to protect customers from the weather and to shelter any goods displayed outside. 

Modern awnings seldom provide much shelter. They are often of bright colours, wet- look materials and have decorated borders. Furthermore, they are usually supplementary advertising and are rarely retracted. For these reasons, blinds and awnings will not be appropriate on listed buildings, or buildings in conservation areas, unless they can be accommodated without damage to the character of the building and relate well to existing detailing. 

Where original blind boxes survive, there is unlikely to be any objection to the reinstatement of a traditional blind. In shopfronts without a blind housing, installing a blind box is likely to cause damage to original fabric of the building, or loss of architectural features, and is unlikely to be acceptable. Blinds which cannot be retracted are unlikely to be acceptable on traditional buildings. When open, the blind should be more than 1m from the kerb edge, and the lowest part should be as a rule at least 2.4m above pavement level. 

Size and scale of signs 

All signage must remain subordinate to the shopfront. Lettering size must be proportional to fascia depth, and signage should not fill the entire fascia area or span multiple units. Window signs are permitted but must be modest, cover no more than 25% of glazing, and avoid obscuring transparency. Hanging signs may be considered where traditional evidence exists, but must not dominate façades, should be single‑bracket, modest in size, and use painted or hand‑crafted materials. 

Corporate images 

Corporate identity must be adapted to building context. It is required that branding does not overwhelm historical fronts. Guidance from Historic England and Westminster prohibits large backlit logos, vinyl wrap‑around graphics, or generic corporate colour schemes. Where corporate branding is necessary, it should use subdued tones, hand‑painted or individually applied lettering, and limit branding to the fascia or discreet window lettering. 

Fascia signs 

Signs that squeeze up against or cover the sills of the first-floor windows, or are so long that console brackets have to be removed, or so deep or thick that the proportions of the console brackets and cornice will be lost or look out of proportion, are unlikely to be supported. The size of the fascia should therefore be dictated by the features of the rest of the building. 

Signs on windows 

Window signage should be restrained and allow light and views into premises. modest glazing vinyl or painted lettering where necessary covering no more than 25% of glass area and using simple lettering may be acceptable. Full-storey advertisement vinyl or opaque graphics are not acceptable. 

Hanging signs 

The principles described in the section on fascia signs also apply to hanging signs. In addition, the following points should be considered: 

• there should not be more than one hanging sign on each elevation with a shopfront; 
• hanging signs are usually best positioned at ground-floor fascia level. 

On many traditional shopfronts, the console brackets were designed to accommodate a support for a hanging sign. On some of Cambridge's traditional buildings, signs above ground-floor level will be more appropriate to avoid interfering with architectural features or to maintain the building's symmetry and proportions. This is also true where signs would be so low as to be a danger to passers-by. As a general rule, the bottom part of the sign should be at least 2.4m above pavement level, and the sign should not be within 1m of the kerb edge. If above the carriageway, a sign would need to be at least 5.1m above ground level. The maximum size of a hanging sign will be dictated by the appropriate fascia depth. The materials of construction and letter sizes and types should respect the character of the building and be of similar character to the fascia sign. 

Three-dimensional signs relating to goods or services supplied will be encouraged. These were common in Victorian times because many people were illiterate. Such signs can look appropriate today, as can more individualistic signs which can add a touch of humour or art to the street. 

Existing brackets for hanging signs should be reused where they are of an appropriate design and in a suitable position on the building. The design of new brackets should be appropriate to the shopfront and kept relatively simple. 

Lettering 

Lettering throughout the shopfront must be hand‑painted or individually mounted, using typefaces consistent with building character. Text should be limited to the proprietor’s name, nature of business, and unit number; corporate taglines, product brands or generic advertising are inappropriate. Letter height must proportionally relate to fascia depth (e.g., fascia depth ÷ 3 to 4) and not fill fascia entirely. 

Business nameplates 

Textbox 280, TextboxPlaques displaying the business name, opening hours, or upper-floor occupants should be small and discreet. Installation on pilasters or adjacent to doors are required to use reversible fixings. Materials should match shopfront finishes, painted timber, brass, or cast iron, and designs should be restrained in size and form. 

Illumination 

Illumination of signs on listed buildings and in conservation areas will be restricted to those buildings which are open in the evenings and at night, and conditions will be attached to ensure that signs are only lit when the premises are open. Only shops such as chemists, and restaurants, cafes, pubs, off-licences and places of entertainment will normally be granted consent for illuminated signs. On buildings where illuminated signs are acceptable, the light source should be discreet and not interfere with architectural features or proportions of the sign or building. 

Illuminated box fascias will not be acceptable. Strip lights that fit within the cornice or architrave; individually-lit lettering; and a small number (two on most shopfronts, three on very wide frontages) of slim, elegant spotlights can be successful. On hanging signs, the illumination should be discreetly attached to the bracket. Large spotlights, swan-necks or heavy canopy lights bolted on to the top of hanging signs will not normally be acceptable. 

Illuminated box, hanging or projecting signs are unlikely to be approved on listed buildings, in a conservation area or on feature buildings, because the proportions are too clumsy for traditional buildings. Banner signs will not be approved as permanent signage. 

In residential areas, the degree of illumination should be kept to a minimum. Additionally, the light level should be relatively subdued and constant. 

Directional signs and A-boards 

Directional signage (such as opening hours, menus, office wayfinding) should be simple and in keeping with shopfront materials. Fixings must be reversible, and signs must not obscure architectural features. A‑boards are allowed at a maximum of one per frontage, constructed from traditional materials (timber/chalkboard), placed adjacent but not against the building façade, and retained within the road boundary without impeding pedestrian movement or access. 

Security, Safety and Access 

People need to feel that their environment is safe and secure. This is particularly true for shop owners who need to satisfy their own peace of mind and their insurance providers. The best protection an area can have is to increase the numbers of people living in shopping areas and using the streets at all hours. The police acknowledge the importance of this ‘natural surveillance’. To support this, the Council has installed CCTV cameras in some locations. The Council will also continue to work with Cambridgeshire County Council to improve street lighting and with local people to improve the city’s night-time environment. 

The Local Planning Authority encourages shopkeepers to use security measures which will not affect or will improve the area’s appearance. Using appropriate internal and external lighting, reducing temptation by taking valuable stock out of the window at night, removing rubbish outside shops which can be used to break windows, letting out rooms above shops, and installing alarms and internal video cameras to protect stock can all significantly reduce the likelihood of crime. 

When considering planning applications for shop alterations, the Council expects shop owners to use the least visually intrusive security measures which meet their needs. Solid shutters are not the only way to combat crime. This appendix, therefore, sets out when different measures will be acceptable and how to install them in a sympathetic way. 

Glass 

Laminated glass can be effective against window breakages and theft. Different thicknesses of glass are available for different situations. It can often be fitted without any effect on the appearance of the shopfront if the frames are strong enough. The main drawback is that when damaged, the outer sheet of glass can craze. If the shopfront has slender mullions and glazing bars (common in many old buildings), these may need to be strengthened to take the size and weight of laminated glass, and this is unlikely to be acceptable on listed buildings. Sometimes the old glass may be of interest and so its replacement may not be desirable. Anti-shatter film holds glass together when it is broken. While this is not as effective as laminated glass, it may slow down intruders and so prevent opportunist theft from the window. 

Reducing the amount of glazing or dividing the window into smaller panes can also be effective. Windows divided with reinforced glazing bars can prevent access to the building. Smaller panes are also cheaper to replace if broken. However, dividing the windows up will only be acceptable if the resulting appearance is appropriate to the character of the whole building, and is unlikely to be approved on listed buildings unless the shopfront is of little interest. 

Large areas of plate glass which run almost to the floor are easy to damage and expensive to replace. Installing a stallriser reduces the area of glass, makes it harder to kick, and is a good defence against ram raids. 

Internal screens can be fitted behind the window display. They are very effective in stopping intruders getting into the main part of the shop, especially where there are bay or bow windows. When purpose-made, they can be an attractive part of the shop’s decoration. They can be permanent or demountable, but being internal cannot prevent damage to the windows, or theft of the window display. In listed buildings they are often the best solution, although care is needed to retain intact any internal features of interest, such as panelling. 

Gates 

Decorative gates were often used during Victorian times to prevent people loitering in recessed doorways, though they should not enclose or open over the highway. They are usually made of iron and are available in a variety of styles. They can be a good way of protecting doorways if the style and colour suits the rest of the building and the gates, guides and locks are not obtrusive when the gates are open. 

Security shutters and grilles 

Shop owners often see solid external shutters as the best protection against vandalism and theft. These can give the impression that crime is rife and stop people using the area when the shops are closed. However, the creation of a fortress-like atmosphere can be self-defeating. Solid roller shutters can have an adverse environmental effect, giving an area a ‘dead’ appearance and contributing towards the creation of a hostile environment. Some shops will need shutters, but a balance must be struck between the need for security and the quality of the environment. 

Internal screens 

Internal screens can be fitted behind the window display. They are very effective in stopping intruders getting into the main part of the shop, especially where there are bay or bow windows. When purpose-made, they can be an attractive part of the shop’s decoration. They can be permanent or demountable, but being internal cannot prevent damage to the windows, or theft of the window display. In listed buildings they are often the best solution, although care is needed to retain intact any internal features of interest, such as panelling. 

Internal grilles 

Internal grilles can be of the roller type, and so need a housing for the coil. This can be fitted behind the window display (as with a screen). If fitted closer to the glass, the coil housing should not be seen from outside. This can be done by fitting it within an existing false ceiling, within the window soffit, or by using darkened glass in the transom windows. All grilles need runners. These should be painted to match the rest of the shop. Care is needed to avoid damage to internal features, especially in listed buildings. 

Timber shutters 

Solid timber shutters were probably the earliest measures used to protect shopfronts, though none are thought to survive in Cambridge. If evidence can be found to guide the design of accurate replicas, it may be appropriate to reinstate these on listed and other traditional buildings. Shutters need to be light enough to be moved by shop workers, and daytime storage space will be needed for them. 

External demountable grilles 

Demountable grilles are normally made of steel mesh. They are taken down when the shop opens, and manhandled into place and padlocked when closed. They allow views into the shop, but can look ugly and may therefore have to justified. Such grilles should: 

• be finished in a colour appropriate to the shop 
• be stored out of sight in the shop during the day 
• consist of a separate grille for each display window 
• provide simple and unobtrusive locking mechanisms. 

External roller grilles 

A range of styles of external roller grilles is available, but all have horizontal patterns, which seldom suit the character of traditional buildings. Justification for the fitting of such shutters may be required, and the following criteria must be met: 

• the fascia, stallriser and pilasters will not be covered by the grille runners for the grilles will be fitted to pilasters or glazing bars and painted to match 
• the coil housing will be concealed behind the fascia or fitted flush beneath it and painted to match 
• the grille will be finished in a colour appropriate to the rest of the shop 
• the coil housing or guides must not damage or hide any important architectural features of the shopfront. 

External roller shutters 

Solid external roller shutters give buildings a dead and hostile appearance when closed. They do not allow views into the shop, and do not allow surveillance by the emergency services. Solid roller shutters will only be approved if it can be shown that no other form of protection will be adequate. Shutters incorporating clear perspex panels arranged in a pattern which reflects the vertical emphasis of buildings are preferred. Fixing solid external shutters should be carried out as detailed above for grilles. Shutters should be painted in a colour appropriate to the rest of the shop. 

Protection against ram-raids 

Adequate protection against ram-raiding can normally be achieved by a combination of measures to strengthen the shopfront, without using solid external shutters. For example, building a stallriser with a steel or block frame, subdividing the glazing and door, strengthening both the frame and glass, or installing a sturdy screen behind the window display. Outside the shop, street furniture can be positioned to stop vehicles getting near to the shop. Cambridgeshire County Council’s (as highway authority) permission is needed to put bollards, or any other obstacle on a highway or footpath, and this will only be considered where there is a risk of ram-raids. If you want to install bollards or any other external features, consider the needs of the visually impaired, wheelchair users and people with prams when siting them. Telescopic bollards which can be retracted back into the ground during the day should be used. Radical measures to protect against ram-raiding will need justification. Measures which adversely affect the architectural or historic interest of a listed building or the appearance of a building in a conservation area are unlikely to be acceptable. 

The Local Planning Authority recognises that in some cases exceptional security measures are needed if the shopkeeper is to retain their livelihood. However, as the appearance of external grilles or shutters often harms the character of the individual building or the area as a whole, their installation must be fully justified and supported by the police and insurance company. This justification will need to: 

• explain the particular problem, and describe other forms of protection which have been used, and why they have not worked 
• include a letter from the insurance company identifying previous incidents, and setting out what measures are needed to safeguard against future incidents 
• include a letter from the police which identifies previous incidents and sets out what measures are felt appropriate to protect the property 
• explain how you will reduce the visual impact of the security measures 
• The Local Planning Authority recommends that in these exceptional cases, a meeting is set up at the earliest possible opportunity with the shopkeeper, representatives of the insurance company and police, and GCSP before an application is submitted. 

Alarms 

Alarm boxes, whether for intruder detection or fire systems, should be installed in a discreet and non-intrusive manner that does not detract from the architectural integrity of the shopfront or building façade. Such modern fixtures must be sensitively positioned and, wherever possible, installed on less visually prominent elevations such as side or rear walls, rather than on principal elevations or decorative architectural elements. 

Where placement on the main elevation is unavoidable, the alarm box must be small in scale, neutral in colour (typically white, or to match the façade), and positioned so as not to interfere with or obscure cornices, fascias, pilasters, or decorative stonework. Alarm housings should not sit directly on or above signage or cornices, and they should not interrupt symmetrical features or historic subdivisions of the façade. Fixings must be non-damaging and, ideally, reversible, particularly where the building is listed or lies within a conservation area. 

For Listed Buildings,

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 is likely to be required for the installation of any alarm box. Installers must work with building owners and designers to ensure that cabling is internal wherever possible. Where external conduit is necessary, it must be neatly installed and painted to match the surrounding wall surface, avoiding visual clutter. 

The introduction of security systems should balance functional requirements with careful regard to architectural significance, ensuring that their installation does not compromise the building’s historic character or its contribution to the wider streetscape 

Access 

If installing a level access would involve the loss of important features on an historic building, other alternatives such as handrails should be considered to help ambulant disabled people. Any changes to access arrangements should take account of the needs of people with sight or hearing difficulties by avoiding obstacles on footpaths, making the entrance clear, and avoiding the use of doors that open outwards across a footpath. If a shop has a sales area capable of holding more than 50 people (customers and staff), doors should open outwards. Recessing the doors is the usual way of dealing with this; otherwise, guardrails would be needed, and these are not usually acceptable on public footpaths. 

Shopfront interventions requiring planning permission must include: 

• Photographic survey of existing shopfront, with dating of features. 
• Material schedules and samples for all proposed timber, paint, glass, metalwork, and lighting. 
• Drawings at scale (1:20 or 1:10) detailing stall‑risers, pilasters, cornices, consoles, glazing bars, framing, doors, ironmongery, blinds, and lighting. 

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

  where the shopfront is within a conservation area or on 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.

  . 
• Reversibility plan—ensuring all new works can be removed without permanent harm to historic fabric. 

These guidelines will inform the statutory planning and listed building consent process and ensure that shopfronts in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire preserve and enhance their historic character while accommodating modern business needs. 

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.

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