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Planning a Nightmare!
Does anyone have any idea what the planning permission laws are relating to exterior signs attached to a building? I’ve been told that I can hang a sign without applying for planning permission provided it is not above a certain size, but not what that certain size is. The local planning department are less than helpful in supplying me with information, the guy at the other end of the phone sounds more interested in the contents of his sandwichs than doing his job! 😡
While I’m on the subject, if I fitted a sign for a customer and they hadn’t got the correct planning permission for that sign, does the planning department head for me or the customer?
Cheers, Dewi
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10 Replies
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Dewi,
It depends on the building, it’s location, usage, local council bye laws etc. etc. For example I used to do double glazing and replacement windows and in some boroughs it was illegal to put the companies sign board on the house after the job, on others it was OK.
I think to be sure you have got to wake that lazy sod up down the planning office. Funny enough I had a customer in the shop today for some plan copying and he was moaning like hell that at this time of year he could get no sence or action out of the planning department till after Christmas.
ALlan
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I’m coming to the same conclusion Allan. Mind you, I enquired in mid-september about a planning application on an auction property and I got a similar response. All I wanted to know was the access rights, which according to the auctioneers wasn’t guarenteed, and (presumably the same chappy) all the guy could say was “Come to the office, I’ve not got the *munch munch* time. Even if I *munch munch* had the time, I can’t explain it *munch munch* on the phone.”
Going to the office to view plans was not a problem, but call me picky, eating a sandwich (or whatever) whilst discussing something on the phone isn’t exactly cricket. 😮
Benefit of the doubt though, I’ll try again after Xmas and hopefully get more sense out of them. Either that or send the guy a pizza, maybe he’ll be more helpful with food on offer!
Cheers, Dewi
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Dewi,
I used to be a surveyor and CAD designer doing large refurbishment projects for Local Authourities or projects requiring planning approval and I had many meetings with the planning department and unfortunately they work in mysterious ways.
They often seem to employ the wrong person for the job because of employment guidlines forced on them. I always found it best to humour them and don’t upset them and that way you will usually get what you are after (eventually). Once you upset them they can be a stubborn lot.of *uggars.
allan
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Dewi,
I can only go on what a customer asked me to do size wise and our local council says anything above 300mm x 300mm needs planning.That one made me laugh all day…..
Timmy…
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Timmy,
It would not be so funny if you made it bigger and had to go and take it down. If he was talking about residentual properties he may well have bee right.
allan
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Timmy whats your e-mail address and I will send something which might be of help
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The guy was a dentist and the sign was to go on the wall below his practice window…
As you say no joke to have to take it down mind..
Timmy….
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Advertisements Which May Be Displayed With Deemed Consent
Class 5
Non-Illuminated Advertisements On Business Premises
Class 5 permits non-illuminated advertisements on business premises wholly with reference to the business carried on, the goods sold or services provided, or the name or qualifications of the person carrying on the business, or supplying the goods or services, on the premises.
in the case of a shop, may only be displayed on a wall containing a shop window
no limit on area or number
letters etc limit 0.75 metre
height limit 4.6 metres or the bottom level of any first floor window in the wall on which the advertisement is displayed, whichever is lower
illumination not permitted unless to indicate that medical or similar supplies or services are available at the premises.
For the definition of “business premises”, see page 33.Class 6
Advertisements On Forecourts Of Business Premises
Class 6 permits non-illuminated advertisements on the forecourts of business premises wholly with reference to the business carried on, the goods sold or services provided, or the name or qualifications of the person carrying on the business, or supplying the goods or services on those premises.
no limit to number of signs which may be displayed on a forecourt on each frontage of the premises, but
total aggregate area of all forecourt advertisements must not exceed 4.5 sq metres per forecourt
letters etc limit 0.75 metre
height limit 4.6 metres
illumination not permitted
These are some planning guidelines, regarding your question on who’s responsible for the planning, you should when quoting recommend that if planning is required that the client apply, if he doesn’t then its his fault if it has to come down.
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Elite,
Is that national law or regional and applicable to your local area? My guess is it would be local but I would be interested to know. If it is ational I am sure there are regional clauses related to this.
Allan
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Best thing to do is give the council a call…
All external signage needs planning unless you are in healthcare, be it a dentist, doctor, or vets these are all exempt.
It’s all to do with public safety and happinessSimon
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