Work has started to improve the appearance of city centre streets by tackling unauthorised signs and changes to shop fronts.

The initiative, led by our planning team, is taking place in Western Road and Church Road where we’ll be working with businesses to improve the appearance of properties and the general street scene.

Councillor Tracey Hill, lead member for planning, said: “Poor signage and shop front conversions affect the way the whole street feels. If the area is attractive it feels safer and more people will visit, so it is important, both for businesses and residents who live in the area.

“Western Road and Church Road are two of the city’s most popular thoroughfares and part of the city’s historic street scene. There have been an increase in unauthorised signs and shop front alterations in recent years so we’re pleased to be able to work alongside property owners to improve the area.”

Although the team will be mostly concentrating on unauthorised signs and changes to shop fronts they will also be aiming to tackle properties that have fallen into disrepair and encouraging owners to clean them up and make repairs.

Advice and guidance

Brighton & Hove’s planning service has created guides on shop fronts and advertising signs to help businesses and developers make sure their properties fit in with and enhance the street for the benefit of all.

Western Road is in the Brunswick Town Conservation Area and has many historic features and shop fronts, including The Paris House (number 21), Lane and Stedman (100), Mitre House (144-145), Imperial arcade (203-211) and some imposing former department stores. 

Church Road is also in the Cliftonville Conservation Area with many attractive buildings.

Our planning team will advise businesses on how they can improve their properties so they meet the city’s local guidance and policy. The council has powers to prosecute for the display of unauthorised advertisements and will consider using these powers where owners are unwilling to make the necessary changes or improvements. 

More information

See our 
•    Guidance for shop front design
•    Guidance for advertisements