Forum topic: Yearning to see Traditional Shops!

Not all shops need solid external shutters. I know of one recent chemist refurbishment which used security glazing to avoid them. Enfield planning policy is against any external shutters and instead says that they should be internal. I think that its OK to have external shutters of the open link design which display the shop interior but don't detract from the street scene. There are many of these already and I don't know that they are a problem for the shops.

The aim in all this is to avoid the impression that the area is under siege from rampaging mobs. This in itself adds to feelings of fear and insecurity and reduces footfall in the evenings. I

I've been arguing for ages on PGC and with Councillors and council planners that the cost of less intrusive shutters is probably manageable when installed as shop fronts are re-done, which is pretty frequent. Over time as this happens the street scene would be much improved and if appearances count in assisting with footfall this would help business. If you don't think this would help, think whether a complete facade of scruffy solid shutters or shouting multi-colour advertising does; I think not.

I understand the fear of regulations on businesses, but this is one area where sensible use of the original shop front guidance would benefit them, whether national chain or local. There are pockets of good design, in PG, but too few.