Harlow Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on protecting the look of shopfronts across the town, including the historic area of Old Harlow.
The council is consulting on the Shopfront Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out the rules that must be followed when designing or altering shopfronts, both modern and historic. This document will be used by developers and planning agents when submitting planning applications, and for planning officers who are involved in the determination and enforcement of applications.
The SPD has been developed to address a gap in design guidance on shopfronts, to ensure that they positively contribute to the character of the town centre, neighbourhood centres and hatches (both newly built in the future and existing). The aim is to provide support for the development of attractive and welcoming shopfronts that will enhance the look of the town’s shopping centres. This document will work in line with the wider Harlow Local Development Plan (HLDP), which sets out a long-term planning vision for the district and guides future development across Harlow until 2033.
Councillor Alastair Gunn, cabinet portfolio holder for garden town and planning, said:
“As we make progress on our missions to renew our neighbourhoods and rebuild our town, it is important we protect and enhance the town’s shopping centres – old and new – which are at the heart of Harlow’s local communities. That’s why we’re bringing forwards these proposals on how our shopfronts should look for consultation.
“This is of particular importance in historic areas such as Old Harlow, which has its own unique character. This strengthened planning guidance will help to guarantee that this character is protected, and the ongoing conservation of Old Harlow maintained.
“We also have the ongoing major programme of regeneration of the town centre. As this progresses, we do need to have guidance in place to shape how the town centre will look. We want new shops, cafes and restaurants to play their part in making the town centre a more attractive and welcoming place for all who use it.”
“Getting shopfront guidance in place will mean developers have to ensure the design of the front of their buildings is in line with the positive vision this council has for our new town centre.”
The document will be available for consultation from 11 October until 8 November and you can have your say here. After the consultation period, the council will use responses received to amend the draft SPD and produce a final version ready for adoption at a future Cabinet meeting. Once adopted the SPD will become a material consideration when determining planning applications.
