(PG) Planning Guidance : Shopfronts and advertisements in Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow, Kirknewton, Livingston Village, Mid Calder and Torphichen Conservation Areas

NB: This consultation is now closed.

It was agreed at a meeting of the Development and Transport Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel on 20 June 2019 to consult on new Planning Guidance (PG) relating to works to alter or replace shopfronts and advertisements in the conservation areas of Broxburn and Uphall, Linlithgow, Kirknewton, Livingston Village, Mid Calder and Torphichen.

The council recognises that the retail industry requires adaptability and flexibility in shopfront design in order to respond to the rapidly changing market and consumer pressures. However the visual quality of historic townscape and village centres and the architectural integrity of individual buildings and groups of buildings, especially within designated conservation areas, can be adversely affected by poor shopfront design and inappropriate advertisements and it is important that alterations, restoration and replacement are carried out sympathetically in order to protect the character of an area.

This illustrated guidance is intended to advise retailers, commercial operators and their agents what is expected in terms of good design when proposing to alter or replace shopfronts (and any associated advertising) within conservation areas and by following the guidance, applicants should be better able to achieve solutions more appropriate to the historic context of the property and which are more likely to secure approval.