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Advertisements
Signage is important to organisations as it allows them to advertise their business and direct interested parties to where they are located. However, advertisements must be appropriately designed, situated and illuminated (or in many cases, non-illuminated) to ensure they do not adversely impact on the amenity of an area or on highway safety.
Many forms of signs and advertisements do not require consent. However, before erecting or installing any form of signage or advertising it is strongly recommended that you check the Advertisement Regulations (The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007).
The advertisement control system covers a very wide range of advertisements and signs including:
- Posters and notices
- Placards and boards
- Fascia signs and projecting signs
- Pole signs and canopy signs
- Models and devices
- Advance signs and directional signs
- Estate agents’ boards
- Captive balloon advertising (not balloons in flight)
- Flag advertisements
- Price markers and price displays
- Traffic signs
- Town and village name signs
All signs and adverts must comply with five standard conditions. They must:
- Be kept clean and tidy
- Be kept in a safe condition
- Have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed (this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land)
- Not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of, official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport
- Be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority
Useful information
Outdoor Advertisements and Signs - A Guide for Advertisers (PDF, 1.1MB) provides some very useful guidance, though you should always check with us prior to erecting any signage. The Planning Portal also provides advice on adverts and signs.
Last updated: 30 May 2024