Advertisement consent, not planning permission
Signs are covered by their own rules, the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007. Instead of planning permission, a sign either has deemed consent (permission is automatically given if it meets set conditions) or needs express consent (you apply to the council).
Signs that usually have deemed consent
Many ordinary business signs on your own premises have deemed consent, as long as they meet the conditions: for example, a non-illuminated fascia sign or projecting sign within size and height limits, with letters no bigger than the limits allow. Signs must also be kept safe and tidy, and have the landowner’s permission.
Signs that often need an application
- Illuminated signs, depending on the type of lighting and where you are
- Signs above the limits on size, height or lettering
- Signs in a conservation area, where some deemed consent rights are restricted
- Advertising hoardings and signs away from your premises
Listed buildings: a separate permission
If your building is listed, a sign that affects its character may need listed building consent, separately from advertisement consent. That can include fixing into historic stonework, as well as the design of the sign. Check this before anything is drilled.
Conservation areas
Many historic town centres around us are conservation areas. Councils there usually expect signs that suit the street: painted or painted-look timber, hand-lettered styles, restrained colours and external lighting rather than internally lit boxes. A well-designed traditional sign is more likely to be approved and often looks better too.
Which council?
- Wiltshire towns, including Chippenham: Wiltshire Council
- Swindon: Swindon Borough Council
- Bath: Bath & North East Somerset Council
- Bristol: Bristol City Council
- Cirencester and the Cotswolds: Cotswold District Council
- Frome and Somerset: Somerset Council
Most councils offer pre-application advice if you’re unsure.
How to apply
Applications are made through the Planning Portal or direct to the council, with a site plan, scale drawings of the sign and how it fixes, and photos of the frontage. We can supply the drawings for any sign we make. The government’s guide to outdoor advertisements and signs sets out the classes and conditions in full.
This guide is a starting point
The rules have detail and exceptions, and councils interpret them locally. Always check with your council before ordering a sign. If you’d like help with what to ask, get in touch.