Ramsbottom Conservation Area – shop fronts and advertisements
What is an advertisement?
By law, an advertisement includes but is not limited to any word, letter, model, sign (including fascia signs, projecting signs, pole signs, canopy signs, signs in windows, etc.), placard, board, notice, or poster which is there for the purpose of advertisement, announcement or direction.
What makes a good shopfront and advertisement?
Ramsbottom is a well-preserved historic Pennine mill town, characterised by stone buildings and traditional shopfronts. A good shopfront and advertisement should respect and reinforce Ramsbottom’s character and street scene. Further guidance can be viewed in the links below. In summary, a good shopfront will:
- Retain or restore their original features such as pilasters, stall risers, and fascias (see overleaf) and proportions. Avoiding large areas of uninterrupted glazing.
- Signage should be kept to a minimum and the information displayed on the signage should itself be minimal.
- Ensure that the proportions of a fascia sign are determined by the building to which is fixed.
- Architectural or decorative features should not be masked by advertisements.
- Use muted, subtle colours, non-reflective colours, which complement the building’s natural materials.
- Use traditional materials such as stone or timber. Modern materials such as plastics and aluminium should be avoided.
- Use sensitive external illumination where appropriate; internally illuminated signage should be avoided
When do you need permission?
Examples of signage that typically need permission:
- Any kind of illumination (such as a fascia sign with illuminated letters)
- Any sign other than a fascia sign over 0.3 square meters in size
Often replacement fascia signs will require permission, especially if the replacement fascia sign is bigger or projects further than the previous fascia sign.
Any change to a shop front (not including advertisements or signage) requires planning permission. Typical examples include:
- External roller shutters
- Altering or replacing windows or doors
- Installing a canopy
- Addition of a larger fascia panel
Even where proposals follow the principles of good design set out above, permission may still be required.
There is also provision to remove advertisements that are lawful but harmful to the character of the area. The Council retains the right to take action to secure the removal of signage that is considered inappropriate within the Conservation Area.
Ask if you are unsure and pre-application advice
If you are unsure whether permission is needed for your proposals or whether they are appropriate, contact development.control@bury.gov.uk. You may need to submit a planning pre-application to get detailed feedback.
The Council has a duty to preserve and enhance character and appearance of Conservation Areas. Installing signage without permission may be a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution, so always check if you are unsure.
Ramsbottom Shop Front Design Guide
Parts of a traditional shopfront