Heritage Shopfront Design Code & Grant Scheme

Lichfield District Council is developing a new Shopfront Design Code for Lichfield city centre, to help restore and enhance the appearance of our high street. We are now asking residents, businesses and visitors for their views.

What is the Shopfront Design Code?

The Design Code is a clear and practical guide for how shopfronts in Lichfield city centre should look and function. It aims to:

• protect and enhance Lichfield’s historic character
• support high-quality, attractive frontages
• provide clear expectations for planning and development
• improve accessibility for everyone
• help create a unified, welcoming and vibrant city centre

The Code will become a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), meaning it will be used in planning decisions for future alterations, new shopfronts, signage and repairs.

View the Design Code

Why are we introducing it now?

Many shopfronts in the city centre make an important contribution to Lichfield’s character, but some have deteriorated or use designs that do not reflect the historic setting. Businesses also tell us that expectations around heritage improvements can feel unclear.

A Design Code provides certainty for everyone:

• businesses and property owners
• planning officers
• designers and contractors
• residents and visitors

It will help ensure any changes to the high street are consistent, high-quality and respectful of our heritage.

How does this link to the Shopfront Improvement Scheme?

Alongside the Design Code, the Council is preparing a future grant scheme to support shopfront repairs and enhancements. This will help businesses make improvements that align with the Code, addressing common barriers such as cost, specialist knowledge, and access to skilled contractors.

What we are asking you to comment on

This consultation invites your views on:

• whether the Design Code is clear and easy to use
• whether it reflects what you want for the look and feel of Lichfield city centre
• the heritage value of our high street
• priorities for future improvements
• any concerns or suggestions for changes
• how a potential grant scheme could best support businesses and the wider community

The findings from this consultation will support our upcoming bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (HLF), helping us secure funding to deliver the scheme.

Most importantly your feedback will help shape the final Design Code and strengthen our funding case for delivering improvements across the city centre.

How to take part

Please give your views on the Design Code and improvement scheme via our consultation survey.

If you would prefer to complete this consultation in paper form, printed copies can be collected from the District Council House during normal opening hours. Our reception team will be happy to provide a copy and accept your completed feedback.

If you require further support or information, please contact – shopfrontregeneration@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Create Streets will also be carrying out additional community engagement over the coming weeks. This will give residents, businesses, and local partners the chance to explore their emerging work, share ideas, and help shape the next stages of the project. If you’d like to see what they’ve been developing or take part in the process, please visit Create Streets.