WORCESTER City Council is asking people to give their views on revisions to a policy document designed to protect and enhance the appearance of Worcester’s shopping and commercial areas.
The Council has produced a Shopfronts Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out clear guidance to help maintain attractive shop and business frontages across the city.
The guidance aims to preserve the city’s historic character, while allowing sympathetic alterations and new frontages of high-quality design where appropriate.
The overall aim of the draft SPD is to ensure that, at a time when the traditional high street is facing more competition from online retail than ever before, Worcester’s shopping areas continue to be attractive to shoppers and visitors.
The updates to the Shopfronts SPD are required following the adoption of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review last month.
Coun Hannah Cooper, vice chair of Worcester City Council’s place and economic development committee, said: “Shopfronts are a crucial part of the identity of Worcester’s retail and commercial centres and play a major role in attracting shoppers and encouraging repeat visits.
“This draft document sets out clear, high-quality design principles to help safeguard the city’s historic character, while allowing businesses to adapt and thrive in a changing retail environment.
“By ensuring new and altered shopfronts are well designed and sympathetic to their surroundings, we can support local businesses and protect Worcester’s unique character and appearance for years to come.”
The deadline for taking part in the consultation is Tuesday May 12.
Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit to complete the consultation.
