Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Planning Permission for Shop Fronts

If you want to make changes to your shop front, you will need to apply for planning permission from the local authority. This is because the appearance of a shop can have an impact on the surrounding area, and planning permission ensures that any changes are in line with the local community’s vision for the area.

As you make plans for your shop or premises, it’s important to understand the planning permission process and what type of planning permission you will need.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about commercial planning permission for shop fronts, including how to get it, what it covers, and more. We’ll also discuss the different types of planning permission and what they mean for your business.

So whether you’re just starting out or you’re already up and running but want to make some changes to your shop front, read on for all the information you need!

Guide to Commercial Planning Permission for Shop Fronts

What is commercial planning permission and why do you need it for shop fronts?

Commercial planning permission is a type of planning permission that is required in order to make changes to the exterior of a commercial property, such as a shop front. It is important to note that this type of planning permission does not cover any internal changes, and only applies to the external appearance of the building.

There are a number of reasons why you may need planning permission for a shop front, including:

– To make changes to the overall appearance of the property
– To change the use of the property from one commercial use to another
– To add or remove windows or doors
– To make changes to signage or advertising displays

If you are planning on making any of these changes to your property, then you will need to apply for commercial planning permission from your local council. The process of applying for planning permission can be complex, so it is important to seek professional advice before starting the application process.

Once you have submitted your application, the council will assess it and decide whether or not to grant planning permission.

How do you get planning permission for a shop front?

There are a few steps you’ll need to take to get planning permission for your shop front. First, you’ll need to submit an application to your local planning authority. This will usually be done online, and you’ll need to include some basic information about your proposed shop front, as well as any drawings or plans you may have.

Once your application has been submitted, the planning authority will assess it and decide whether or not to grant permission. If they do grant permission, you’ll be issued with a planning certificate which you’ll need to display in your shop. If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision.

There are a few different types of planning permission, so it’s important to make sure you apply for the right one. If you’re planning on making any changes to the appearance of your shop front, you’ll need to apply for what’s known as ‘Advertisement Consent’. This covers things like signs, awnings, and displays.

If you’re planning on making any changes to the structure of your shop front, you’ll need to apply for ‘Building Regulation Consent’. This covers things like building works, alterations to doorways and windows, and changes to the roof.

Depending on your local planning authority, there may be other types of planning permission you need to apply for. It’s always best to check with them before you start any work on your shop front.

How much does it cost to get planning permission, and how long does it take to process applications?

There is usually a fee to submit a planning application, and this will vary depending on the type of planning permission you’re applying for. Building Regulation Consent typically costs more than Advertisement Consent. The planning authority may also charge an administration fee.

The cost of planning permission varies depending on the type and scale of work you’re planning to do. For small projects, such as adding new signage, you may only need to pay a fee of around £100. For larger projects, such as building an extension, the fee could be several thousand pounds.

It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for planning permission to be granted. The time it takes varies depending on the type of application, as well as the workload of the planning authority.

What do local councils look for in shop front planning applications?

Local councils are primarily concerned with managing neighbourhoods in a way that is beneficial to the local community and its economy.

It’s important for shop fronts to be in keeping with the rest of the street, and that any window displays are considerate of the neighbourhood.

Councils will often be assessing whether your design will contribute to the area as one of economic growth and a sense of safety for pedestrians and residents.

Decisions can vary from area to area in line with local regulations, so if you want to find out more about the specific priorities of your local council, getting in touch with their planning department can be helpful to request a set of guidelines.

It’s very important to comply with local regulations to avoid expensive fines and business closure.

What should you do if your application is refused or delayed by the council?

If your planning application is refused, you can appeal the decision. This must be done within six months of the decision being made. You can also appeal if your planning application is not decided within eight weeks.

If you’re planning on making changes to your shop front, it’s important to get planning permission before you start any work. This will ensure that your shop front complies with local planning regulations, and avoid any problems down the road.

It can take several weeks or even months for planning permission to be granted, so it’s important to start the process as early as possible – especially allowing for time to appeal any refusals or deal with any delays.

How to make shop front improvements once planning permission has been granted

Making improvements to your shop front once planning permission has been granted is a relatively straightforward process. You will need to submit a planning application to the local council, which will detail the proposed changes. Once the application has been approved, you can proceed with making the changes.

The council will expect you to work with certified professionals who can adhere to building regulations, and who will use the right quality materials for public safety.

London Shop Fronts are a family-run business with UK factory fabrication for all elements of your shop front manufacturing. Our experienced shop fitters travel all over the UK to install high quality, bespoke shop fronts for businesses and commercial premises in many different sectors.

To book a free consultation for your project, get in touch with us today.


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