A NEW design code for shopfronts in Lichfield city centre is set to be given the green light by councillors.
The proposals have been drawn up to “enhance the historic character” of the area.
It was drawn up by urban design specialists on behalf of Lichfield District Council.
A cabinet meeting will be asked to approve the scheme which will form part of the planning decision process for the city centre area.
A report to a meeting next week said:
“The code establishes clear design requirements for shopfronts, supporting high-quality design, heritage-led regeneration and the protection of the city’s historic character.
“It will provide consistent guidance for applicants, businesses and planning officers, improving clarity and decision making.”
The council said a total of 156 responses to a consultation on the code were received over a four-week period.
Of those, 91% were in favour of the document, while almost three quarters of respondents believed shopfront improvements were “urgently needed”.
The report added:
“The design code was developed in response to longstanding concerns about inconsistent shopfront design, gradual erosion of historic character, and an increasing number of applications that do not reflect the heritage of the city centre.”
The design code will be debated at the cabinet meeting on 12th May.
