KCC issuing shopfront guidelines

KERRY County Council has published new guidelines for shopfronts in the county.

The guidelines have been created to ensure best practice for retailers and their design advisors when considering refurbishing or erecting new shopfronts in the county.

The details of the new guidelines were presented to councillors at last weeks meeting of Kerry County Council.

The Council said that Kerry’s ‘vernacular’ shopfronts are a core element of the built heritage of the county’s towns and villages and they play an important role in creating a unique sense of place and character.

“Kerry also has a tradition of excellence in the craftsmanship involved in historic shopfront design,” said the council.

“There are many examples throughout the county of traditional shopfronts and signage that form an intrinsic part of a village or streets’ vernacular charm reflecting local distinctive styles and characteristics,” a council spokesperson said.

The guidelines provide that shopfronts should be of a high standard of design and reflect the architecture of the original building and of the surrounding area.

The council advise that most shopfront works typically require planning permission and a suitably qualified person with expertise in this area should be engaged for any proposal.

“It is the policy of the council to preserve and retain traditional shopfronts that contribute to the character of Kerry. The need to change old shopfronts whether protected or not must be carefully considered,” said Kerry County Council following the launch of the guideline document.

Any queries on the new guidelines and their implications should be directed to the Planning Section of Kerry County Council.

The new shopfront guideline document can be easily accessed by following the links on the Kerry County Council website.