Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme

Scheme Administration

The Economic Development Team at Stafford Borough Council will administer the Scheme. 

Scheme Aim

The scheme aims to enhance the appearance of the shop fronts within Stone town centre so that standards of design are achieved that relate to the town's historic architecture, as a result of the retail marketing study carried out by New Horizons Ltd.  

Criteria for Eligibility

• Must be an independent store and will not include pubs or restaurants.
• Proof of ownership will need to be shown OR a letter from consent from the owner if the unit is leased.
• Replacement of shop front that is not in keeping with the historic environment
• Restoration/repair of current acceptable shop front
• Re-instatement of historical features
• Designs must be in keeping with the Stafford Borough Council design guidelines 

Amount of Grant

SMTI will put in up to 70% of the costs up to a maximum of £5000 

Applications

• The Project Manager will liaise with owners or lessees regarding initial concepts of design
• The Project Manager will then liaise with Stafford Borough Councils Conservation Officer and planners about initial ideas
• It is up to the applicant to formally seek planning permission.  The planning department can be contacted on 01785 619337.  Work must adhere to planning and conservation guidelines.
• The applicant will complete a brief application form
• The applicant will get two quotes.  SBC reserves the right to request further quotes for work as it thinks appropriate.
• An itemised list of proposed works must be submitted with each application
• The application will then be submitted to the Project Manager 

Considering the application

SBC Conservation Officer, Project Manager, SMTI Co-ordinator and a representative for Stone Town Council will then consider the application. 

If the application is approved notification will be sent to the applicant.  The grant offer letter will specify:

·        The eligible applicant

·        The eligible premises

·        The eligible works

·        The approved cost

·        The amount of grant and percentage

·        List of works to be undertaken

·        The date at which the works must be completed. 

The Offer of Grant

• The grant offer must be formally accepted with 21 days of receipt of letter.  After which the offer will be formally withdrawn.  Applicants with then have to reapply.
• A date of completion must be agreed
• The grant offer is subject to conservation and planning approval and if applicable listed building status approval and any other consents necessary 

The Works

• The work must be carried out strictly in accordance with the list of works approved as agreed in the offer letter
• Stafford Borough Council must be informed immediately of any variation to works.  Stafford Borough Council reserves the right to refuse grant for changes in the specification that are not suitable
• Variations must be submitted in writing for approval
• Where a new contractor is brought in Stafford Borough Council reserves the right to request new estimates from the contractor
• Works must be completed within the timescale agreed with Stafford Borough Council; the applicant must inform the Council if the deadline cannot be met.  The Council will consider the appropriate action on a case-by-case basis, but is under no obligation to alter the conditions of the offer. 

Access to Works

Stafford Borough Council may at any time inspect the works that have been approved for a grant and will inspect them after completion before releasing grant. 

The Grant Payment

• Stafford Borough Council reserves the right to withhold payment of grant should the work carried out be in breach of the conditions of offer
• In considering whether the work had been carried out to satisfactory standard Stafford Borough Council will refer to Listed Building Consents, Planning permissions, Building Regulations and Conservation Area consents.
• Upon completion of the works the applicant must inform Stafford Borough Council and a final site visit be arranged.  The grant will be paid upon receipt of a defrayed invoice, the applicant must pay for the works initially and will be reimbursed for the agreed amount.
• The claim for payment must be submitted within 2 months of the deadline of works
• Payment will be made within 1 month of the receipt of claim however if for any reason that the project did not comply with the scheme or on advice from the Planning and conservation departments of the council payment can be withheld.
• If the actual costs are less than originally stated the amount paid will be that of the agreed intervention of the original costs.
• If the actual costs are more than originally stated the amount paid will be no more than that agreed in the original costs. 

Repayment of Grant

Stafford Borough Council reserves the right to recover a percentage of the grant as it sees fit within a period of 12 months if: 

The applicant removes any part of the features that have been paid for through the Shop Front Improvement Scheme. 

If any of the work paid for through the Shop Front Improvement Scheme is not properly maintained or altered in any way. 

VAT

Applicants who are VAT registered will have their grant assessed on the net cost of eligible works, non-registered applicants on the gross cost.  If the applicant does not know whether they are VAT registered or not they must seek advice from Customs and Excise. 

For further details please contact:

Viki Powney, Project Manager, Regeneration Services, Stafford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford ST16 3AQ