Do I need planning permission for a non-illuminated shop sign?

Smaller non-illuminated signs often fall under 'deemed consent' within set size limits, but limits are stricter in conservation areas and for listed buildings. We advise on this during your free survey.

Do illuminated signs always need consent?

Most illuminated signs need advertisement consent from the local council. We design within the regulations and advise you on what's needed before you commit.

What about signs on a listed building?

Signs on listed buildings usually need both advertisement consent and listed building consent. Design is more restricted, but a sympathetic, well-designed sign is normally achievable.

Do You Need Planning Permission for a Shop Sign? (UK Guide)

Before you put up a new shop sign, it's worth knowing whether you need permission from the council. Getting it wrong can mean being told to take the sign down — an expensive mistake. Here's a plain-English guide to the UK rules.

The short answer

Many signs need what's called advertisement consent under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations. Some signs have "deemed consent" (automatically allowed within limits); others need an application to your local council. Illuminated signs, large signs, and signs on listed buildings or in conservation areas are the most likely to need formal consent.

Signs that usually need advertisement consent

Illuminated signs of most kinds
Signs above a certain size or height
Signs that project from the building beyond set limits
Any sign on a listed building (this can also need listed building consent)
Signs in a conservation area, where rules are tighter

Signs that often have "deemed consent"

Smaller, non-illuminated signs on a business premises — within specific size and projection limits — are frequently allowed without a formal application. But the limits are specific, and they're reduced in conservation areas, so it's never safe to assume.

Listed buildings and conservation areas

If your premises is listed or in a conservation area, treat consent as essential and plan for it. Councils care about the look of the street, so sign size, materials, colours and illumination may all be restricted. The good news: a well-designed sign that respects the building usually gets approved.

What happens if you don't get consent?

Displaying a sign that needs consent without it is a breach of the regulations. The council can require you to remove it, and in some cases take enforcement action. It's far cheaper to get it right first time.

How New Smart Signs helps

As part of our free survey, we advise whether your proposed signage is likely to need advertisement consent, and we design within the rules for your location. We can produce the visuals and specifications you'll need for an application. We design, manufacture and install compliant signage across the UK — call 0800 088 6248 or request a free quote.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always check with your local planning authority for your specific situation.