New rules introduced on shop front designs in Alnwick and Hexham
and live on Freeview channel 276
It is hoped the guidelines, which have been published by Northumberland County Council, will help to protect the look of the long-established conservation areas in Hexham and Alnwick.
The guides, which are 16 pages long each, both state that “new frontages should represent locally distinctive characteristics in terms of design, scale, massing, height and materials”.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey add that the guides were written to “assist developers, retailers, design professionals and building owners to prepare designs for shop fronts and other commercial premises which respond well to local character”.
Both advocate keeping to a traditional design where possible, criticising more modern design elements such as large areas of plate glass and a lack of detail in the shop front as “ill considered”.
The plans were approved at last Wednesday’s meeting of the council’s cabinet.
Coun Colin Horncastle said: “I’m not one for rules and regulations but I welcome this, because it is a great help to developers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“I fully endorse it, it’s just common sense. At the moment when we’ve got the historic grants coming into Hexham, it makes sense that we have shop fronts that reflect the historic nature of the town.”
The adoption of the guides mean that councillors on planning committees will be able to take them into consideration when assessing new planning applications, giving members more power to block plans deemed unsuitable for the area.
A report presented to members added that the two design guides are the “first in a proposed series of bespoke guidance for shops and commercial properties in the historic market towns of Northumberland.”
The plans are available in full either online or as hard copies.