BOUTIQUE managing director Penelope Rawson’s plans to replace a shop front face opposition from Knutsford Town Council.

Penelope owns The Edit Boutique in Canute Place, Knutsford, which she is hoping to move into a former jewellers’ shop in King Street by the summer.

Penelope is seeking permission from Cheshire East Council to replace the 1984 shop front at the empty premises at 91 King Street.

Knutsford Town Council’s planning committee is objecting to the application to remove and replace the shop front with wood frame windows and a painted sign.

The council objects to the application because it says the applicant has failed to consider or apply the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan relevant polices and the Design Guide, in that the proposed design does not keep the fascias separate, includes windows out of proportion with the shop front size, incorporates large areas of glazing and fails to retain the recessed entrance.

Knutsford Guardian:

The empty premises at 91 King Street

In a report with the application, Penelope said: “The current shop windows were added in 1984. They therefore do not have heritage significance. The design does not appear to be in keeping with the surrounding properties.

“It is proposed to remove the current shopfront and replace with a classic wooden framed window.

“This design has been chosen to be in keeping with the surrounding commercial properties and be handled sensitively through the use of high-quality materials.

“The proposed window frames and store front, including signage, will be painted in keeping with the adjoining properties.

“In accordance with the Cheshire East ‘Shop Fronts Guide 2003’ the central column will be maintained to maintain the vertical rhythm of the shops.

Knutsford Guardian:

A drawing of the proposed shop front

“The door will be moved to the left-hand side of the central column to reduce the difference between the street and the shop floor levels.

“Although the height of the floor does not match with the street the design will improve accessibility to those with prams or difficulty climbing steps.

“The existing door will be retained. The overall amount of glazing will be increased but will be in keeping with adjacent properties.

“The windows frames will be timber and painted in grey. Fascia, plinths and pilasters will reflect nearby properties.

“The design of the fascia advertisement will be a classic painted sign. The signage will not adversely affect the architectural character of the building. There will be no external lighting.

“There will be no protrusions that could impede the traffic flow. In line with the ‘Shop fronts guide’ the solid roller shutter will be removed.”