More illegal city centre shopfronts targeted in crackdown

The next phase in Canterbury City Council’s crackdown on illegal, garish and overbearing shopfronts is underway.

A total of 22 businesses in the Burgate, Sun Street, St Dunstan’s Street and North Lane areas of the city have been told by the council to take action because the front of their premises, situated in listed buildings, have been altered without permission and do not blend in with the heritage and history of the city centre.

That includes inappropriate signs, lights – especially those that flash – and paintwork that does not follow the rules outlined in the council’s Shopfront Design Supplementary Planning Document.

If you alter a listed building without permission, it is a criminal offence which means offenders can ultimately be fined or jailed.

Cllr Michael Dixey (pictured above at the entrance to St Dunstan’s Street) is Canterbury City Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for planning enforcement.

He said: “We were all stung by the national headlines that compared Canterbury to a second-rate Las Vegas a few years ago and we all knew action had to be taken.

“We’re really pleased that many of the businesses we targeted in the first phase of this crackdown have responded positively. After 18 months, the few who have dragged their feet have now been served with enforcement notices.

“Our message is getting across to business owners who are really engaging with us and are genuinely keen to do the right thing.

“With a range of improvements to the city to be paid for by the government, this push will help cement that legacy and ensure the millions in investment will make a lasting impact.”

The move has been welcomed by Hilary Brian, Chair of the Canterbury Society. The society has been concerned about the negative impact of unsuitably designed and unauthorised shopfronts and signs for some time.

It, along with the Canterbury Heritage Design Forum which has also had concerns and offers advice to incoming business owners, has been working closely with the council and is pleased to see it is now taking a more proactive role in sorting out eyesore shopfronts, including the production of a shopfront design guide.

She said: “With its World Heritage Site status, Canterbury is a city where you should be able to come and immerse yourself in its rich heritage and history.

“It is in all of our interests to ensure the heart of the city remains healthy, vibrant and is a place where people want to visit, shop and spend their leisure time.

“Garish and overbearing shopfronts stand out like a sore thumb and shatter that perception in an instant.

“Businesses have a major role to play in supporting this historic city’s character so we’re pleased the council has taken action and owners are responding positively.

“I am convinced shopfronts that are sympathetic to the past will help drive footfall because the area becomes more attractive and that breeds confidence.

“When we attract more shoppers, more tourists and more people who want to do business, the city’s longstanding success carries on into the future.

“You can already see areas of the city that are much improved – everyone needs to keep up the momentum.”

Published: 22 July 2024