Help and Advice Sheets

Signs & Planning Approval

Signs and Adverts
You may need to apply for 'Advertisment Consent' to display an a sign bigger than 0.3 square metres on the front of, or outside, your property. So you are unlikely to need consent for a sign with your house name or number on it, or even a sign saying "Beware of the dog". Temporary notices up to 0.6 square metres relating to local events, such as föetes or concerts, may be displayed for a short period. There are different rules for estate agents' boards, but, in general, these should not be bigger than 0.5 square metres. You can get further advice from the planning department of your local council.

There are likely to be extra restrictions for listed buildings and conservation areas.

Illuminated and hanging signs usually require permission. This is because they are not flush to the building and therefore alter the external appearance.

There is a wealth of information on the main planning site - www.planningportal.gov.uk. - although local authorities may have some additional idiosyncrasies.

Usually it is advisable to write informally to the council with a drawing indicating your intentions. Often this is all that is needed. Download Signs & Planning Approval PDF