Most outdoor business signs in England are controlled by the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007. Some signs are allowed without applying (“deemed consent”); others need “express consent” from the local planning authority, which in Doncaster is City of Doncaster Council. This guide summarises the government rules. It is not legal advice: always check with the council for your premises.
Signs you can usually put up without applying
Class 5 of the regulations allows signs on the outside of business premises that advertise the business, the goods or services available there, or the name and qualifications of the person running it, provided they stay within these limits:
| Rule for signs on business premises (Class 5) | Limit |
|---|---|
| Height of letters, figures or symbols | No more than 0.75 m (0.3 m in an Area of Special Control) |
| Highest part of the sign above ground | No more than 4.6 m (3.6 m in an Area of Special Control) |
| Position | Not above the bottom of the first-floor window on that wall |
| Illumination | Not illuminated (except to show medical or similar services) |
| Shops | Only on an external wall that has a shop window |
Illuminated signs
Illuminated signs are treated separately. Class 4 allows internally illuminated or halo-lit signs on business premises only within strict limits, including:
- no flashing or intermittent light, moving parts, animation or exposed cold cathode tubing
- no more than one fascia panel and one projecting sign
- the lowest part at least 2.5 m above ground
- a fascia panel projecting no more than 0.25 m from the wall
- for a shop, only on the wall with the shop window
Class 4 does not apply in a Conservation Area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Park, the Broads or an Area of Special Control of Advertisements. In those places an illuminated sign needs express consent.
Projecting signs
An illuminated projecting sign on business premises must not exceed 0.75 m² in area, project more than 1 m from the wall, exceed two-thirds of the width of the pavement below it, or be taller than one-sixth of the frontage measured to the top of the sign. On retail parks, a projecting sign facing a communal car park may be up to 1 m², project up to 1 m and be up to 1.5 m high.
When you need to apply
- the sign is bigger, higher or brighter than the limits above
- the premises are in a Conservation Area or other protected area and the sign is illuminated
- the building is listed (listed building consent may also be needed)
- the council has removed deemed consent for your area
What happens after you apply
The council should give a decision within eight weeks. If consent is granted it usually lasts five years, although the council can set a different period. If consent is refused, or the council does not decide within eight weeks, you can appeal to the Secretary of State.
How Magenta Signs helps
When we survey a shop front we check the proposed sign against these limits and tell you whether it is likely to need an application. If it does, we can provide scale drawings of the sign on your building for the application. Call 01302 822466 or send us a photo of your premises.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Outdoor advertisements and signs, a guide for advertisers
- Planning Portal (to apply for advertisement consent)
- City of Doncaster Council (local planning authority)
Related: shop signs Doncaster, built-up letters, illuminated signs.