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Planning Permission
Does anyone know the requirement (if any) for signs on shop windows?
I have always understood that signs on windows did not require any planing permission.
I recently did some signs for a shop in conservation area. The shopkeeper applied for and was granted permission for the exterior signs (moulded lettering) that were proposed and then fitted to his shop fascia. I also fitted some etched glass vinyl to his windows.
Apparently they were subsequently told that the window signs were not acceptable (although a day later the planning official relented and said they could stay on).
Was the planning officer right? I have never heard of needing permission for window signs and I am still not convinced that the official was right to claim that planning permission was required.
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4 Replies
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I have never heard of that.. But I do always tell my clients that they may need it.
But no I would have just done it… was it a listed building? Maybe he was basing it on that. Possible there could be special requirements.Simon
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I run across this, in ivestigation to your question.
Although the subject is about outdoor advertising it could be that as your signage was in a conservation area, the council cocked up.
I had a quick read of it and it means nothing.
Outdoor Advertisement Control
29 November 1999Ms Carolyn Vickery
Development Control Policy Division
Department of the Environment, Transport
and the RegionsZone 4/J3
Eland House
Bressenden Place
London SW1E 5DU
Dear Ms Vickery
Outdoor Advertisement Control
I am pleased to set out below the comments of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors on the recent consultation paper on outdoor advertisement control issued by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.
Despite what paragraph 4.1.1 says it is our experience that the 1992 Regulations are complex and that there are difficulties in practice. The different categories of advertisements (deemed or express) are not always easy to understand and the size limitations likewise can be confusing. There ought to be a review and simplification of the Regulations.
Particular care must be taken to control advertising both in conservation areas and in the urban fringe where their impact can be greatest.
We would also draw attention to the Urban Task Force recommendation, number 66, that low grade temporary uses, such as advertising, can have a major negative impact and should be restricted.
Our detailed comments are as follows:
4.2.2 Advertisement inspectors regularly say that policies in a development plan are not to be considered and only take into account public safety and amenity as required by the Regulations.
4.2.4 We agree with the amendment. It is not clear whether the question of public safety and amenity will still remain in the Regulation.
4.3.1 It is not clear what the term “owner” means. Is it the freehold owner or somebody with a leasehold interest?
4.3.2 Presumably some form of ownership certificate will be needed as with a planning application. We assume that the owner’s consent will not have to be shown as such but merely a certificate from the advertiser indicating that notice has been given.
4.11 A number of options are posed here ranging from the abolition of Areas of Special Control of Advertisements to the continuance of regular reviews. Whilst there is a strong case for their outright abolition, our preference is for option (ii) whereby ASCAs would lapse after 7 years if the local planning authority fails to review them. This would require authorities to give positive thought to reviewing an ASCA. We also suggest that authorities should be obliged to set out reasons why an ASCA should continue.
4.13 We very much agree with the proposal to widen the definition of “enclosed land” to include “shopping malls and shopping arcades”.
4.16.1 There are now so many “functional” signs that a few more are unlikely to make much difference. Perhaps of more concern is the ever growing number of LA/sponsor advertisements which are found at roundabouts or stand beside town/district approach signs. Many of these seem wholly unnecessary and may have safety implications.
4.17.3 We prefer the second option which involves moving all of the various establishments listed to an expanded class 5.
4.20.2 We suggest that illumination should only be allowed when the premises referred to here are open.
4.21 There is no definition of a forecourt in the Regulations and there is often confusion about this.
4.21.2 This proposal should be restricted to posters. It should not apply to other types of advertisements such as those for the goods within a shop.
4.24 There is no justification for restricting advertisements inside buildings. It will cause many shops significant problems. The occurrence of “whole window displays” is exceptionally limited compared to the number of illuminated advertisements within 1m of a window.
We particularly support the proposed amendments 2,3 and 5 set out in Annex A.
We would be pleased to amplify any of the above points.
Yours sincerely
Dr Stephen King
Policy Officer
No Help ?
Dan
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Whilst the size of the signs are obviously still still a factor in conservation areas its as much about the colour and content of the sign. The idea simply that it has to be in keeping with the surrrounding enviroment.
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listed buildings and conservation areas may require consent for any advertisement, if it will affect the character of the building.
In touchy areas it always wise to check first.
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