Do I Need Planning Permission for a Sign? A Practical Guide for Businesses
When installing new signage, one of the most frequently asked questions from business owners is, "Do I need planning permission for this sign?" Signage is a vital part of brand identity, customer navigation, and public visibility. However, specific rules determine whether a sign can be installed freely or whether formal consent is needed.
This guide walks you through when planning permission or advertisement consent may apply, what types of signs are typically exempt, and how to approach signage planning for your premises.
The Legal Framework in England
In England, outdoor advertising is regulated under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007. These regulations divide signage into categories, defining whether they:
Qualify for deemed consent (automatic approval if conditions are met)
Require express advertisement consent (you must apply for it)
Or, in some cases, require full planning permission, especially if structural changes or protected buildings are involved
These permissions are handled by your local planning authority. Failure to comply could lead to enforcement actions or requirements to remove unauthorised signage.
Signs That Don’t Usually Require Permission
Some types of signs are considered low-impact and are granted deemed consent provided they meet size, location, and usage restrictions.
1. Business Premises Signage
If the sign:
Relates directly to the business operating at the premises
Is not illuminated
Does not exceed 0.3 square metres (or 0.6 sq m for multi-occupier buildings)
Is placed on the building or within the site boundary
Then it may not need permission. For slightly larger signs, consent might still not be necessary if the design is proportionate and unobtrusive.
2. Temporary Signs and Notices
These include:
Construction signage
Property sale or letting boards
Event notices (e.g. fairs or exhibitions)
They are generally allowed for a limited time period and must be removed shortly after the event ends or the property is sold/let.
3. Menu Boards
Mounted display cases outside restaurants or cafes often qualify under deemed consent, provided they are modest in scale and not illuminated.
4. Informational and Directional Signs
Smaller directional signs, especially for entrances, parking, or safety, are typically exempt if kept to a sensible size and not lit.
Signs That Likely Require Permission or Consent
If your signage is more complex, prominent, or illuminated, then advertisement consent or planning permission may be needed.
1. Illuminated Signs
Any kind of lighting introduces visual and safety concerns. You’ll likely need permission for:
Internally or externally illuminated signs
LED and digital displays
Neon or backlit letter signs
Even if the size and location are modest, illumination is a common trigger for consent.
2. Fascia and Projecting Signs
Shopfront signs are often subject to approval, especially:
If they extend beyond the fascia line
If they project over public pathways
If they’re mounted above ground-floor level
In conservation areas or heritage zones, stricter design requirements may apply.
3. Freestanding or Totem Signs
Large signs at business entrances, on verges, or near roads are often classed as adverts requiring consent, particularly if:
They are over a certain height
They include lighting or moving elements
4. Signage in Conservation Areas or on Listed Buildings
Even small signs in these zones may require consent, as the council will consider heritage impact, materials, and placement. Additional permissions, such as listed building consent, may also apply.
Factors That Influence Consent Decisions
When evaluating signage applications, local councils generally assess:
Amenity: Will the sign harm the appearance of the area?
Public safety: Will it obstruct views, cause glare, or distract drivers?
Cumulative impact: Are there already many signs in the same vicinity?
They also consider if the sign matches the building’s character and local planning policies.
Additional Considerations
Planning Permission vs Advertisement Consent
Advertisement consent focuses specifically on signage content, size, lighting, and placement. Planning permission may also be required if the sign:
Alters the structure of the building
Forms part of a larger building project
Is located in an area subject to Article 4 Directions (which remove certain permitted development rights)
What Happens Without Consent?
If you install signage that requires permission without securing it first, your local authority may serve an enforcement notice demanding removal or modification. Fines may also apply if the sign is considered a public hazard or harmful to visual amenity.
Planning Your Signage Project
To avoid complications, follow these steps when preparing for new signage:
1. Measure Accurately
Include full width, height, and projection dimensions. Don’t forget fixings, brackets, or lighting rigs that could push the sign over permitted thresholds.
2. Check the Site Location
Look up whether your premises fall within a conservation area or are part of a listed building. Restrictions will be tighter in these cases.
3. Assess the Type of Sign
Determine whether it’s:
Wall-mounted or projecting
Freestanding
Illuminated or digital
Internally vs externally visible
Each factor can influence whether permission is required.
4. Evaluate Visibility and Impact
A sign that’s large or very bright may be judged as harmful to the area’s appearance or public safety. Consider scale, positioning, and surroundings.
Common Exemptions
In some cases, businesses can still install impactful signage by working within the exemption rules. This may involve:
Reducing size slightly to stay within the deemed consent thresholds
Using non-illuminated signs
Installing signage inside the window rather than externally
Applying high-contrast vinyl graphics instead of physical signs
Each of these options can still provide strong brand presence without triggering permission.
How Grafiscape Can Support Your Signage Project
At Grafiscape, we design and deliver tailored signage solutions for a wide range of commercial environments. While we do not provide legal planning advice, our team is experienced in working with local authority guidelines and can assist with:
Reviewing design concepts for potential consent requirements
Providing technical drawings or specifications for consent applications
Suggesting alternative signage approaches if permission seems unlikely
Where necessary, we may recommend seeking guidance from your local planning officer or an independent planning consultant.
Useful Resources
For further information, you can consult these official sources:
Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007
Your local authority’s planning guidance pages
These resources provide up-to-date information on exemptions, consent requirements, and application processes.
Summary
Whether you need permission for a sign depends on several factors, including its size, lighting, location, and purpose. Many signs can be installed under deemed consent, but illuminated, large, or heritage-sensitive signs often require formal approval.
Start by identifying what type of sign you want, measure precisely, and check your building’s planning context. If there’s any uncertainty, consult with your local planning department or a professional signage provider familiar with British planning standards.
Taking time to get it right ensures your signage enhances your brand without running into regulatory issues.
