Issue - meetings

Note:  Councillor Charmaine Morgan returned to the Council Chamber.

Purpose of the report

To seek approval from Cabinet for the updated South Kesteven Shopfront Design Guide 2024 to be used as a technical document alongside the existing supplementary planning policies relating to shopfront design as a material consideration in planning decisions.

To endorse the publication and signposting for members of the public to this document for queries relating to shopfront design, and to support the delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Shopfront Maintenance Grant.

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves the adoption of the draft South Kesteven Shopfront Design Guide 2024 as a technical document with material consideration for planning decisions.

2.    Endorses the use of the South Kesteven Shopfront Design Guide 2024 as a guidance document to support the delivery of the UKSPF funded Shopfront Maintenance Grant.

3.    Reviews the South Kesteven Shopfront Design Guide 2024 in 18 months’ time.

4.    Delegates the final wording of the special considerations within the Guide related to illuminated signage for Bourne, Grantham, Market Deeping and Stamford, as well as the correction of any typographical or spelling errors to the Assistant Director (Planning and Growth), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The ‘do nothing’ option had been considered because existing guidance, although outdated, provided the necessary basis for planning decisions. However, the most recent guidance was published 19 years ago, and the oldest over 30 years ago; therefore, the documents did not reflect current best practice or legislation in all cases. In addition, much of the guidance was not publicly available in an easily accessible format.

This option was discounted in favour of the production of an updated guide which met the requirements of current and future users, and which expanded the guidance to include Market Deeping.

Reasons for the decision

This was the first update and revision of the shopfront guide in almost 20 years. The Corporate Plan highlighted the importance of maintaining the historic and built environment of the District. The town centres of Bourne, Grantham, Market Deeping and Stamford all had designated Conservation Areas; clear and accessible shopfront design was important to maintaining the quality of the historic environment within the District’s town centres. This would increase their attractiveness to visitors, residents and businesses.

The Council’s current design guidance, while technically accurate, required update to account for changes in legislation, technology, and also to expand the scope to cover all four market towns.

Many retail properties in the District were listed buildings with a higher level of legal protection. Unauthorised works to these buildings was an offence which could result in prosecution. Many shop owners seemed unaware of the relevant guidelines and legislation.

The Council currently had design guides for Bourne, Grantham and Stamford which were accepted as supplementary planning documents. Market Deeping did not currently have a design guide.

The updated design guide included special considerations for each town. The guide recognised officers’ experiences of regeneration programmes and provided information based  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61