Fingal Shopfront and Main Street Residences Painting and Improvement Grant Scheme 2021

Download Fingal Design Guide for Shopfront and Main Street Residences Painting and Improvement Grant Scheme 2021

Introduction

Fingal County Council in partnership with the Dublin Fingal Chamber of Commerce, Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce and Malahide Chamber of Commerce have developed a Shopfront and Main Street Residence Painting and Improvement Grant Scheme for the Fingal county.

Why it’s important

High quality building facades on Main Street and the core of towns and villages have a significant influence on the character of the town. It enhances the public realm and makes the area distinctive, a place where people will come to shop and spend time in an attractive environment. The purpose of this guide is to inform retailers, designers and local residents how to identify and implement good shopfront/Main Street design and how to maintain and enhance the character of the town/village. This scheme will focus on the core of towns/villages, on Main Streets and streets leading directly off Main Streets in towns and villages throughout the county of Fingal. The term ‘shopfront’ includes all ground floor premises with a fascia and/or display window and includes non-retail uses such as cafes, restaurants, public houses, banks, building societies, estate agents etc.

Some towns and villages, because of their special architectural and historic value, have been designated as an Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA’s). Some buildings in ACA’s are protected structures and may require planning permission for works to the façade, for example new signage or lighting. Where Fingal County Council has previously published design guides for particular towns/villages or public realm strategies applicants to refer to the principles contained in these documents to inform the works they wish to apply for.

Shopfronts and Main Street Residences

Want to make alterations to your shopfront or home’s façade?

• Changes or alterations may require permission so always check with the Council before starting work. In general planning permission is required for a new shopfront or for significant alterations to an existing shopfront; works to shopfronts in an ACA; erection of banners, flags, advertisements; new signage; hanging signs; external security shutters; installation of canopies; lighting fixtures; murals etc.
• If the building is a protected structure you will need planning permission from the Council
• The use of good design and attractive paint colours which maintain a vertical emphasis can help to enhance the character of the town/village
• The use of planting, landscaping and window-boxes to green the street, without impeding accessibility, to enhance the character and attractiveness of the town/village and promote connectivity with the environment and a sense of well-being for visitors and citizens
• The repositioning of security shutters, gates, railings etc. from the front façades of buildings to behind shop-windows and installation of appropriate evening illumination measures for shop windows to promote the character of the town/village and contribute to a sense of place and feeling of security

Colour Scheme

In general colours should respect the palette of the street and should not be garish or discordant with adjacent fascias. The Council encourages the participants of this Scheme to use this colour palette, or equivalent or the colour palette outlined in already published design guides/public realm strategies where applicable, when carrying out any improvements to their building facades. Colours should not jar with the character of a building or its neighbour. Colour schemes should be simple. Painted timber is always preferable to stained or varnished timber.

Design Guidelines

• Conserve and protect original shopfronts and private residence’s facades
• If elements of an existing shopfront or building façade are to be repaired or replaced, they should be replaced with like for like to a high standard
• Where a building is new the shopfront/façade should have a contemporary design
• Doors and windows should be aligned to relate to the elevation above
• Shop entrances should be accessible to all, including people with disabilities and those with prams/pushchairs. Proposals should be in line with the relevant Building Regulations
• Fascias are important as they frame the shop/façade. They should not be visually dominant and they should be 600 mm high normally. Overly deep fascias detract from a shopfront and affect the character of the streetscape. Fascia depth should generally not exceed one quarter of the distance between the fascia’s lower edge and the pavement
• The fascia panel should generally only contain the name of the shop and the number
• Separately applied fascias of plastic or similar materials are not appropriate
• Internally illuminated and plastic fascia boxes are not appropriate in Architectural Conservation Areas
• Signage should be in the fascia area
• Hand painted letters, or raised metal or timber letters should be applied individually directly to the painted fascia
• Signage for businesses located within upper floor units should be modest. Discrete nameplates at entrances are considered acceptable and/or modest lettering on the inside of windows at the upper floor level. Large upper floor signage related to a ground floor unit will not be permitted.
• Box signs will not be considered on protected structures in Architectural Conservation Areas
• Proposals for lighting should be spare and should not cumulatively have a detrimental effect on the appearance of the building or the area. Flood lighting and horizontal strip lighting should be avoided
• Hanging signs will not normally be considered
• Projecting signs from shopfronts and free standing signs contribute to visual clutter along the street and will not normally be permitted
• Banner signs will not be considered in Architectural Conservation Areas. Temporary flags and banners may be permitted for a limited time for a specific purpose
• Companies should be prepared to adapt standard corporate signage to suit the streetscape
• Where relevant, canopies should be incorporated within the design of the shopfront with the blind box recessed. Where a canopy is required for protection from the weather, a traditional open-ended retractable blind may be considered acceptable.
• The addition of murals to a building requires planning permission and should be carefully considered
• Film or screening that obscures the glazed area of a shopfront window should be avoided
• Relocation of security shutters from the building façade to behind shop windows and the installation of appropriate evening illumination measures for shop windows will be promoted under this Scheme
• Planting, landscaping and window-boxes should not impede accessibility along public footpaths and roads and should contribute appropriately to the greening of the street
• Provision of street furniture of tables and chairs on public footpaths/realm must be licensed by the Planning Authority under Section 254 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). Such seating areas should not obstruct pedestrian movement and barriers around seating areas should be lightweight and easily demountable and should not exceed 1m in height. Canvas is considered a suitable material, while plastic and glass are considered inappropriate. Use of fixed enclosed barriers with canopies can result in an overly enclosed feeling in a streetscape and should be avoided.

Shopfront & Main Street Residence Checklist

Where formal clarification is required as to whether certain works require permission, a Section 5 Exemption Certificate under the Planning & Development Acts can be sought from the Council’s Planning Department or, in the case of a Protected Structure, a Section 57 Declaration from the Council’s Conservation Officer.

    If the building is a Protected Structure, conservation and enhancement is generally recommended.

    Retain traditional elements of the building’s façade where possible, such as fascia, pilaster, stall riser, windows, doors, wall renders and
            other significant features of historic buildings, whether protected or not.

    Refer to the ‘Colourtrend colour palette’.

    Consider the building’s proportions and materials relative to the rest of the street.

    Prevent the use of film or screening that obscures the glazed area of front windows.

    Attractive front doors, window boxes and planting can greatly enhance the appearance of a building and the wider streetscape.

 

Grant Details

The maximum grant available will be 50% of the approved cost of the painting and improvement works to a maximum amount of €1,500.

Works relating to the relocation of security measures will be 50% of the approved cost to a maximum amount of €3,000.

How to Apply?

Application forms and more information is available at: www.fingal.ie

Completed application forms should be submitted by email to [email protected] or in writing to Local Development Section, Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords on or before 4pm on Friday 28th May 2021 in order to avail of funding.

The Scheme may be the subject of review and amendment at any time by the Council.

The Council reserves the right to publish photographs of improved buildings in promotional material associated with the Scheme and its purpose.

 

Contact:

For more information please contact the Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development Department

Tel: 01 890-5000

Website : www.fingal.ie

Email : [email protected]

 

Fingal Shopfront and Main Street Residences Painting and Improvement Grant Scheme 2021 Terms and Conditions

Introduction

Fingal County Council in partnership with the Dublin Fingal Chamber of Commerce, the Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce and Malahide Chamber of Commerce have developed a Shopfront and Main Street Residences Painting and Improvement Grant Scheme for Fingal county.

 

Scope of the Scheme

Fingal County Council is seeking to improve the streetscape and the public realm of Main Streets in towns and villages throughout Fingal as an aid to economic recovery post Covid-19 by supporting owners of properties in the centres of towns and villages to carry out improvement works. Property owners of shops and residents on the Main Streets of all towns and villages in County Fingal are eligible to apply for funding under this Scheme.

This scheme will provide advice and financial assistance to property owners to improve shopfronts and residences on Main Streets and streets leading directly off Main Streets of towns and villages within the administrative area of Fingal. Funding is now available to update and paint building facades along the Main Street and on streets leading directly off the Main Streets of towns and villages throughout Fingal. The purpose of this scheme is to improve and enhance the properties and general streetscape through painting and improvements to existing frontages along the Main Street and the cores of towns and villages in Fingal.

 

Statutory Requirements

 If the proposals involve material alterations, planning permission will be required and the applicant is advised to discuss such proposals with Fingal County Council. Works not requiring planning permission can commence upon receipt of notice from Fingal County Council that the grant application has been approved. Works that do require planning permission cannot commence until the final decision of grant of permission issues.

Eligibility

Owners, proprietors, lease holders or tenants (with the permission of the owner) of buildings located along the Main Street and streets leading directly off the Main Streets of towns and villages in Fingal may apply for grant assistance. As part of the application process, the applicant must indicate their legal interest in the property and they must provide written consent from the owner if they are a lessee or tenant.

Ensuring Quality

The building enhancements when completed must make a positive contribution to the streetscape. Digital photos of before and after works will be required. The Council will provide professional advice on suitable colour schemes to all applicants.

Timescale

The works must be completed by 30th November 2021.

A notice of completion to include the applicant’s name, property address, commencement date and date of completion must be submitted to the Council together with receipted invoices and the before and after photographs.

Payment of the approved grant amount will be made to the successful applicant(s) on submission of receipt(s) for works and design costs. Payments will amount to 50% of claims subject to the maximum amount approved for the applicant(s).

All works shall be carried out to a high standard by a contractor registered for VAT.

Eligibility for Grant Aid under the Scheme

Drawdown of the grant shall only issue provided the applicant is in compliance with the following:

• Only work undertaken after the Grant Offer Letter will be eligible for grant funding;

• The grant must be used for the purpose intended as outlined in the Grant Offer Letter;

• Payment will be made in arrears upon submission of a fully completed Grant Claim Form together with the appropriate supporting documentation (e.g. copies of paid invoices);

• The contractor shall submit a C2 or an up to date tax clearance certificate;

• The works shall be in compliance with the approved details and are subject to final inspection;

• Submission of before and after photographic evidence of completed works to be attached;

• Maximum Grant will be 50% of the approved cost of shop front paint / works to a maximum of €1,500;

• Maximum Grant will be 50% of the approved cost of relocation of security measures works to a maximum of €3,000;

• Monies will not be offered in retrospect to costs already incurred for the improvement of building facades.

• Grants must be taken up within the period stated in the Grant Offer Letter.

• Grants will not be paid in respect of properties included on the Derelict Sites Register;

• An application for grant aid, under the scheme, may be sought by a group of property owners/lessees subject to all members of the group being eligible for the scheme on an individual basis;

• It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine if planning permission is needed for the proposed works and to secure approval from the Planning Authority.

• Works should be carried out within 8 weeks of approval of the Grant or within 8 weeks of planning permission being granted, where required.

• If an applicant undertakes to carry out the works themselves, the Grant will be paid towards material costs only.

Each application will be assessed on its own merits and only works that enhance the town’s character may qualify for grant aid.

Amount of Grant:

The details of the Grant being offered is as follows: WORKS	UP TO A MAX OF €1,500
(a) Paint and redecorate Building Façade	€1,000
(b) De-cluttering and repair of Building Facade	€1,000
(c) Other Facade Improvement Works (i.e. window boxes and planting)	€1,000
(d) Relocation of Security Measures	€1,500 subject to a max of €3,000

The maximum grant available will be 50% of the approved cost of the shop front painting / improvement works - up to a maximum of €1,500 and this would be available for each unit.

The maximum grant available will be 50% of the approved cost of the relocation of security measures works - up to a maximum of €3,000 and this would be available for each unit.

The amount available may vary depending on the number of eligible applications received.

Fingal County Council will review each application on a case by case basis. Successful applicants will be expected to make a financial contribution towards the proposed works. In the event of the number of applications exceeding the value of the overall fund, preference will be given to commercial shopfronts in the first instance, with any remaining funds being allocated to the other building facades along Main Street and streets leading directly off the Main Streets of towns and villages.

 Application Process

An application for funding under the scheme must be submitted to the Council. The following information/documentation will be required:

• Fully completed and signed application form

• Current colour digital photograph(s) of the premises

• Estimates/quotations for the proposed work (minimum of 2 quotations)

• Evidence of ownership of the property or lease agreement

• Consent of land owner is required if the property is leased

• Completed forms can be submitted by email to [email protected] or in writing/in person to Local Development Section, Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development Department, County Hall, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X8Y2 on or before 4 p.m. Friday 28th May 2021.

• Incomplete applications will be deemed invalid.

Assessment of Applications

The following will be considered in the assessment of applications:

• The quality of the proposed changes to the building facade

• Impact on the immediate area of the street

Applications for funding will be considered by an Adjudication Panel appointed by the Council.

The decision to award a grant rests with Fingal County Council, whose decision shall be final.

Applicants will be notified in writing as to the success of their application and no works should commence before approval is granted.

Any appeal of the decision of the Adjudication Panel should be addressed to the Senior Executive Officer, Local Development Section, Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development Department, County Hall, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 X8Y2 and lodged within 2 weeks of the date of issue of the funding notification letter.

This Scheme is supported and promoted by Dublin Fingal Chamber, Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce & Malahide Chamber of Commerce.

If you require further information or have any enquiries please contact: Local Development Section, Fingal County Council by email at [email protected] or at (01) 890 5000. www.fingal.ie/

The scheme may be the subject of review and amendment at any time by the Council.

The Council reserves the right to publish photographs of improved buildings in promotional material associated with the scheme and its purpose. 

Download Application form for Shopfront and Main Street Residences Painting and Improvement Grant Scheme