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Do you need planning permission for a shop sign?
Sometimes — and finding out after the sign is made is the expensive way. Here is how advertisement consent actually works.
The short answer
Many everyday shop signs fall under deemed consent — allowed without an application if they meet size, height and illumination conditions. But illuminated signs, projecting signs, larger fascias, and anything on listed buildings or in conservation areas often need advertisement consent from the council. The rules come from the national advertisement regulations, and your local authority applies them.
When consent is most likely needed
Who is responsible
Legally, the advertiser — you, not the sign company. A responsible sign maker flags consent before manufacturing anything, because a council can require an unauthorised sign to be taken down, and nobody enjoys paying for a sign twice. We check consent risk during the free survey as standard, and your landlord may need to approve the works too — worth confirming early in leased premises.
What we do about it
Survey first, flag consent risk before anything is made, and advise on the realistic route — deemed consent where conditions are met, or an application with drawings where needed. This page is practical guidance, not legal advice: the final word always sits with your local planning authority, and gov.uk publishes the official guidance on advertisement consent.
Quick answers
How long does advertisement consent take?
Councils typically determine applications in about eight weeks. Build that into your opening timeline if your sign is likely to need it.
What happens if I put a sign up without consent?
Displaying an advert without required consent is an offence and the council can require removal. The practical risk: paying to make, fit, remove and replace a sign.
Do window graphics need consent?
Interior window displays generally sit outside the rules; external signage is where consent questions arise. Ask us about your specific case at survey.
Does the sign company sort consent for me?
We flag it, advise, and supply drawings for applications. The application itself is made to your council — we make sure you are never surprised by it.
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