Planning permission can be a confusing and tricky thing to get your head around, but before you embark on erecting any kind of signage, it is essential that you are granted permission to do so.

Many people are not fully aware of the procedure to follow when applying for planning permission, so we have put together a little ‘how to’ guide, highlighting the path to take when applying:

Requirements

There are five ‘standard conditions’ you must comply with when planning to install signage, so it is crucial you take these into account when applying for your planning permission. The local government have advised that all outdoor advertisements 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
• 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 when so required by the planning authority.

These are generic guidelines you must adhere to, but please be mindful that different councils may implement different regulations within their respective regions, and so it is essential that you check the conditions in each area that you wish to install signage.

Applying

When applying for planning permission, you must apply to your local planning authority. This can be done either via the Planning Portal website or if you’d prefer, you can apply on paper as long as you ensure you include all the relevant documentation with your application.

Applications must be accompanied by plans of the site, the completed application form, and your payment. Applying online via the Planning Portal is probably the easiest option, as here you can complete the form, attach the relevant documentation and pay all in one place.

Alternatively, you can download the paper form from the Planning Portal site and post your application to your local planning authority.

Please note, any application must have attached to it a plan which identifies the land in which you propose to install signage outlined in red. This plan must show the direction North and must have a scale. The best way to achieve this is to use an Ordnance Survey site plan to assist you.

If you wish to install signage or make any alterations to a listed building, it is important you complete a separate application for LBC (Listed Building Consent). In most cases a Heritage Statement will be required. For more information on Heritage Statements and what you need to include in one, click here.

Here at Pearce Signs, we have over 200 years of experience in the sign industry, and we would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to get in touch online or call on 0115 940 9620. We look forward to hearing from you.