As climate change drives increasingly severe heatwaves, local councils are considering a return to a classic architectural feature to help cool public spaces: shop awnings. This idea, proposed by Duncan Hounsell, former chair of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee, aims to make high streets more comfortable during extreme summer temperatures.
During a heated council meeting on July 16, several members could be seen using handheld fans to cope with the oppressive heat. David Biddleston, representing Keynsham South for Labour, introduced a motion urging the council to enhance its resilience to climate-related challenges. The motion was subsequently endorsed unanimously.
Biddleston highlighted the growing frequency of extreme heat in the UK, noting, “The Met Office warns that what were once rare weather events are becoming the norm. Scientists estimate that around 2,700 people have died during recent heatwaves in the UK alone.”
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Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Bathwick, cautioned that current heat extremes are likely just the beginning. “What we’re experiencing now will seem mild compared to the future,” she said, emphasizing ongoing council efforts to prepare for both heatwaves and cold spells.
Hounsell reflected on the practical and historical value of awnings. “As a child growing up in Ashton Gate and Bedminster, every shop had an awning. They were a point of pride and no doubt helped reduce the sun’s intensity,” he explained. Hounsell pointed out that certain local high streets, like Keynsham, recently felt unbearably hot due to a lack of shade. Encouraging shop owners and public building managers to install awnings could provide immediate relief by lowering temperatures by several degrees with minimal investment.
Supporting this notion, recent Loughborough University research identified external shading—such as shutters or blinds mounted outside windows—as one of the most cost-effective methods to prevent overheating indoors during hot weather.
Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Bath and North East Somerset Council has implemented progressive policies targeting sustainability, including stringent net-zero energy standards for new homes. However, evolving government regulations may challenge the council’s ability to maintain these standards. The reintroduction of awnings could complement these broader efforts, offering a simple and visually appealing tool to address increasingly common heat extremes.