Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council

SECURITY SHUTTERS
The appearance of shops after normal hours has an important impact on
shoppers and visitors perception of Swords. External solid shutters can have a
detrimental effect on the visual appearance of both the shopfront and the street
itself. Planning permission is required for the erection of roller shutters.
External roller shutters will generally not be permitted. However, if they are the
only solution in a particular case, they should be an open mesh design in
preference to a solid screen.
Where possible shutters should be contained inside the shop behind the window
display, so that the shopfront and its contents are still visible after opening
hours. The colour of the internal shutters should not cause them to detract from
the character of the building or the area and should be dark in colour so that
they are less visible from a distance.
External solid shutters having a deadening effect during the day.
A good example of security shuttering: Internal shutters behind glass.
S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N
SHOP SIGNAGE & FASCIA LETTERING
In general, shop signage in Swords town have a size and design that detracts
from the character of buildings and undermines the quality of the street, in
particular along Main Street.
New signage should respect the character and style of the building in terms of
design and materials. Protected Structures will require signage to be of a very high
standard. Signage placed on protected structures is subject to planning permission.
New signage should not obscure architectural features such as windows and
other shopfront details. Excessive amounts of signage serve only to clutter and
detract from the overall streetscene.
The materials for shop signage should relate directly to the character of the
building and the immediate area. Large areas of glossy or reflective materials
are not acceptable. Script style and scale should complement the period of the
buildings and scale of the space available. Internally illuminated and plastic
fascia boxes are not appropriate. When designing signs consideration should be
given to colour and type of lettering. On signboards, the lettering should not
exceed ¾ of the depth of the fascia.
Untidy and overly busy signage is confusing. Large banner advertisements are harmful to the appearance of the
traditional buildings.
A clear and well proportioned fascia sign.
The location, type and colour of lettering respects the overall proportion of the building.
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HANGING AND PROJECTING ELEMENTS
Hanging and projecting elements can add interest to a street environment.
However too many elements of this type can cause clutter in the building and
streetscape. Normally, projecting or hanging elements should be located at
fascia level, their height should be not more than that of the fascia, and they
should not harm the appearance of the rest of the shopfront. In general no more
than one hanging sign per shopfront will be permitted and banner advertisements
shall not be permitted.
Poor design with canopy obscuring the main fascia.
A rigid traditional type canopy: the preferred style for Swords.
Curved Dutch canopies are to be avoided in Swords.