The market towns in the districts make a significant contribution to the character and appeal of the area. To help support maintain this character advice notes have been prepared which relate to information about the design of shop fronts, the use of materials, advertisements and window displays.

Many market town centres are in Conservation areas, and more advice about these can be found on our Conservation areas page.

Within, these conservation area, many buildings are also listed due to their historic importance. More information about listed buildings and the types of permission you need to do works to these buildings (internally and externally) can be found on or Heritage assets page.

If you’d like advice about proposed works or how to submit an application please see our Planning application advice page.