Skip to main content

Insight article

May 16, 2018

Sign of the times

It is widely known that you may need planning permission for an extension to your house, or to add a new building to your business complex or even to put up a large wall, but did you know that you may also need permission to put up a sign?

It all depends on how large the sign is and whether it is illuminated or a simple temporary banner. Illuminated signs may need permission, no matter how small they are. If you want to display an advertisement on the front of your property larger than 0.3sq metres, then you might need to apply for advertisement consent.

What if it is only temporary?

If you are putting on a local event such as a fair or street party, you can put up temporary signage up to 0.6sq metres without needing permission. Selling your house? Then ensure your estate agent’s board is no bigger than 0.5sq metres. Temporary signage should only be up for a short time. If they are up for a prolonged period, then you might find yourself on the wrong end of a fine.

Complying with advertisement permission

If you plan to erect signage outside your business, you must ensure it meets certain criteria. There are five ‘standard conditions’ that all professional advertising boards and business signs must meet:

  1. It must be kept clean. If your sign starts to look dirty and tatty, you may be asked to take it down or replace it.
  2. It must be in a safe condition – damaged signs pose a risk to the public, especially if they are large and heavy. Check regularly that your sign is safe and secure, or you could end up with a visit from the Health and Safety Executive or a council representative.
  3. It must have permission from the landowner to be there – this includes the Highways Agency if signage is being displayed at the side of the road on Highways Agency land.
  4. It must not block or hinder the interpretation of other signs, such as road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or make it hazardous to use these forms of transport within the vicinity of the sign.
  5. It must be removed if the planning authority withdraws permission for the sign.

Advertising that does not need permission

Not all advertising needs permission. Many signs can be erected without the need for consent, including:

  • advertisements on enclosed land;
  • advertisements on moving vehicles;
  • advertisements which are an integral part of the building’s fabric;
  • advertisements displayed on items such as petrol pumps or vending machines; and
  • advertisements displayed inside a building.

Certain conditions still apply to these types of advertisements and signs, including the size of the lettering, what goods or services they advertise, and whether the signage is illuminated.

You will probably need permission for adverts on the gable ends of buildings, some fascia signs and those that project out (where the top edge is more than 4.6m above ground level).

It is usually advisable to check before you put up an advertising board, sign or even a temporary poster.

Speak to commercial real estate partner John Gillette for more information.

Note: This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch

By completing your details and submitting this form you confirm you are happy for us to send you marketing communications and that you agree to our Website Privacy Policy and Legal Notice and to us using Mailchimp to process your data.


Sending

News/Insight

  • Neuroinclusion in the workplace
    With a varied workforce, businesses in the UK need to provide inclusive policies and practices. One key area that employers must address is neuroinclusion.


    Read more
  • RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) appoints Brinda Granthrai as Partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate
    London, May 2025


    Read more
  • Strategic lifetime gifting
    How to minimise your IHT liability during your lifetime.


    Read more
  • Navigating directors’ duties
    Legal responsibilities and risks for UK company directors


    Read more
  • Preparing a business-lasting power of attorney
    In this article, private client solicitor Herman Cheung of West End law firm RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) considers the advantages, needs and practical examples of creating a bu


    Read more

What they say...

  • Michael, May 2025
    “Very pleased with the services provided by Charlotte Barbaroussis. Particularly found her quick and effective to reply to any queries.”

  • Malcolm & Sheila Blackmore, May 2025
    “My wife and I engaged RIAA Barker Gillette to prepare our wills and LPOA’s. James McMullan and Charlotte Barbaroussis were the epitome of professionalism – responding quickly, talking us through the legalese, clearly answering any

  • Ian, April 2025
    “Martin and his team at Barker Gillette acted for us in our purchase and sale of property. The chain was lengthy and elements of the work became complex. Martin was tenacious and resolved to answer our queries as they arose. He handled all aspe

  • Henry, April 2025
    “We have purchased flats before with 2 different solicitors who were unable to help us this time. Martin came highly recommended and are we glad. He was very professional in every way: knowledgeable, approachable, he has a friendly manner, very

  • Megan Purcell-Jones, April 2025
    “Charlotte was extremely diligent and thorough. She talked us through the process of making our wills and listened to and understood our needs and the complexities involved. Extremely patient and very clear.”

Read more
Send this to a friend