There are very few actions a shop owner can make that will make a bigger difference to their store than altering the shop front, especially if they replace an ageing design with a more modern aluminium facade.

However, whilst most of the decisions and considerations you will need to make revolve around how it looks and how functional the new shop front will be, there are some planning regulations to keep in mind when it comes to shops, particularly when it comes to the question of planning permission.

Whilst it goes without saying that a new shop or modifying an existing building to turn it into a shop will require planning permission as a matter of course, modifying an existing shop front is a little bit more complex.

Whilst you should always contact your local planning authority if you are at all uncertain, a general rule of thumb is that if your shop front would “materially change” the appearance of your shop, it will almost certainly require planning permission.

If you are just replacing the glazing with a visually similar replacement, you are unlikely to need planning permission, but if you have a somewhat older shop front that you are modernising with brushed aluminium, then be prepared to submit a planning application.

If your shop is located in a listed building, then you will need listed building consent to change anything in the shop, in order to ensure that the work is done in a way that preserves the historic character of the building.

Altering signage is a more specific question, but one that might be important depending on the extent of your new shop front work, and whether the alterations would be acceptable under “deemed consent”.

As well as this, local planning authorities might have specific planning orders for specific areas, so always get in touch with them before starting work or submitting a planning application.