Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
Shopfronts and shutters in Bournemouth
BCP Council’s March 2026 Shopfront Design Guide wants roller shutters fitted inside the glass, lattice style, with at least 65% visibility when they are down.
- Planning authority
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
- Planning system
- England
- Main document
- March 2026
- Status
- Council guidance
- Main retail streets
- Commercial Road, Old Christchurch Road, The Square
- Our repairs
- Installation work only
BCP Council published its Shopfront Design Guide in March 2026, funded through Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone programme. It is read alongside the three legacy local plans for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole until a single BCP plan is adopted.
It is one of the few guides to give a measurable transparency figure for shutters, which turns a matter of taste into something a drawing can show.
Shutters and security
Robust stall risers and security glazing are encouraged on new work.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Shopfront Design Guide, para 3.20Any roller shutter should be fitted inside the windows and doors, in a chain-link or lattice style, and must allow clear views in: a minimum of 65% visibility when drawn.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Shopfront Design Guide, para 3.20Bulky external shutter boxes and solid external shutters are not supported.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Shopfront Design Guide, para 3.20A decorative gate across a recessed entrance can work, though it may not suit listed buildings or conservation areas.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Shopfront Design Guide, para 3.20
Sources
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Shopfront Design GuideMarch 2026 · Council guidance · read on 9 October 2026
Policies change. Before you order anything, confirm with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council — a pre-application enquiry gets you a written view on your drawings.