Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council
Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council
Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council
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SECURITY SHUTTERS<br />
The appearance of shops after normal hours has an important impact on<br />
shoppers and visitors perception of <strong>Swords</strong>. External solid shutters can have a<br />
detrimental effect on the visual appearance of both the shopfront and the street<br />
itself. Planning permission is required for the erection of roller shutters.<br />
External roller shutters will generally not be permitted. However, if they are the<br />
only solution in a particular case, they should be an open mesh design in<br />
preference to a solid screen.<br />
Where possible shutters should be contained inside the shop behind the window<br />
display, so that the shopfront and its contents are still visible after opening<br />
hours. The colour of the internal shutters should not cause them to detract from<br />
the character of the building or the area and should be dark in colour so that<br />
they are less visible from a distance.<br />
External solid shutters having a deadening effect during the day.<br />
A good example of security shuttering: Internal shutters behind glass.<br />
S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N<br />
SHOP SIGNAGE & FASCIA LETTERING<br />
In general, shop signage in <strong>Swords</strong> town have a size and design that detracts<br />
from the character of buildings and undermines the quality of the street, in<br />
particular along Main Street.<br />
New signage should respect the character and style of the building in terms of<br />
design and materials. Protected Structures will require signage to be of a very high<br />
standard. Signage placed on protected structures is subject to planning permission.<br />
New signage should not obscure architectural features such as windows and<br />
other shopfront details. Excessive amounts of signage serve only to clutter and<br />
detract from the overall streetscene.<br />
The materials for shop signage should relate directly to the character of the<br />
building and the immediate area. Large areas of glossy or reflective materials<br />
are not acceptable. Script style and scale should complement the period of the<br />
buildings and scale of the space available. Internally illuminated and plastic<br />
fascia boxes are not appropriate. When designing signs consideration should be<br />
given to colour and type of lettering. On signboards, the lettering should not<br />
exceed ¾ of the depth of the fascia.<br />
Untidy and overly busy signage is confusing. Large banner advertisements are harmful to the appearance of the<br />
traditional buildings.<br />
A clear and well proportioned fascia sign.<br />
The location, type and colour of lettering respects the overall proportion of the building.<br />
3 5<br />
HANGING AND PROJECTING ELEMENTS<br />
Hanging and projecting elements can add interest to a street environment.<br />
However too many elements of this type can cause clutter in the building and<br />
streetscape. Normally, projecting or hanging elements should be located at<br />
fascia level, their height should be not more than that of the fascia, and they<br />
should not harm the appearance of the rest of the shopfront. In general no more<br />
than one hanging sign per shopfront will be permitted and banner advertisements<br />
shall not be permitted.<br />
Poor design with canopy obscuring the main fascia.<br />
A rigid traditional type canopy: the preferred style for <strong>Swords</strong>.<br />
Curved Dutch canopies are to be avoided in <strong>Swords</strong>.