Shop fronts - Policy Guidelines - The Dulwich Estate

12. Shop fronts

All changes to the external appearance of a property are subject to approval under the Scheme of Management even though they may be exempt from planning permission:

The Scheme of Management requires that no material alteration is to be made to the external appearance of any building or structure on an enfranchised property without the prior written approval of the Managers.

The Managers of the Scheme are the Incorporated Trustees of The Dulwich Estate and written approval for alterations is provided to applicants by way of a Licence.

The purpose of these guidelines is to preserve and improve the streetscape by encouraging carefully designed shop fronts that take into account the architectural character of the building and its neighbours, in addition to expressing the nature of the individual business.

The shop front guidelines have been prepared with particular reference to the Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings that predominate on the Dulwich Estate.

In Dulwich Village there are shops in Georgian buildings where many of the same principles will apply. There are also post-war commercial developments, however, where the emphasis on retaining traditional features may not be relevant. The requirement to consider individual shops in the context of adjoining properties will remain pertinent.

The following principles will apply:

Those elements of the shop front that are part of the original permanent construction of a terrace are to be retained and, where necessary, reinstated. They will include:

The party wall pilasters and console brackets

The cornice and facia

The location of blind boxes

Care is to be taken to retain and restore mouldings, weathering details and original decorative elements. Attention must also be paid to the sides of buildings on corner sites.

Facia signs are to be contained with the original depth of facia. Signwriting on the facia is generally preferred.

Illumination of signs is to be achieved with appropriate projecting light fittings. Back lit signs will not be approved.

Painted timber joinery is preferred. Aluminium and plastic are not suitable materials for frames and doors. The design of stall risers to be given careful consideration.

Avoid obtrusive housings for security grilles. This can be achieved by installing the security grille inside the glass.

The design of canopies is to be in sympathy with the architectural character of the building. Shiny plastic canopies are not appropriate.

Blanking out the windows of occupied shops will be strongly discouraged.

Please refer also to the General Guidance Notes For Freeholders Of Property Subject To The Scheme Of Management Making Application For Building Or Tree Works.

March 2004

Documents

Shop Front Guidance Notes (PDF 273kb)