Heritage Shopfront Design Code & grant scheme

We are 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, we are 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.

About the consultation

The consultation is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit comments and share their views.

The consultation invited feedback on:

• whether the design code was clear and easy to use
• whether it reflects aspirations for the look and feel of Lichfield city centre
• the heritage value of the high street
• priorities for future improvements
• any concerns or suggestions for change
• how a potential grant scheme could best support businesses and the wider community

What happens next

The feedback received will help inform the final Design Code Supplementary Planning Document and will support the Council’s work to deliver improvements across the city centre.
A summary of responses and details of the next stages will be published in due course.

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.