AS arrangements are being finalised for the arrival of the new tenants at the Royal George development, what steps are the planning authorities taking to ensure that new businesses keep their signs and shop frontage in keeping with the style of the town?

There has been much discussion of late in this paper about the need for Knutsford to promote itself, carefully controlling style and appearance is one way to maintain the town's appeal in this regard.

There are already a few glaring examples of a complete lack of control and steps should be taken to ensure it doesn't get any worse.

I recently visited The Hamptons, New York, an area affluent almost beyond belief.

They too have an old town, the appearance of which is vital to its appeal.

There are wealthy boutiques alongside multi-national outlets such as Starbucks but the latter has to fit in, discreetly and tastefully.

No large garish signs, no neon lights.

You hardly notice their presence.

The attraction of Knutsford to many is the charm of the old style buildings with its array of small individual businesses and their tasteful discreet presence.

I already fear that the Royal George development is going to be a clone of every other town in England but careful control of shop signs is at least one way to ensure a consistent approach and prevent further erosion of the old town style.

So what are the planning authorities doing about this?

Catherine Gasparini

Freshfields

Knutsford