Sep72025

Why UK shopfront signage needs consent

Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007, most external shop signs in England require formal advertisement consent. Installing an unauthorised fascia, hanging sign or illuminated display can lead to enforcement notices, fines or forced removal—so always check first.

Permitted development for shop signage

Certain small or non-illuminated signs don’t need full consent if they meet all of these criteria:

  • Area: ≤ 0.3 m² per sign or ≤ 1.2 m² total

  • Height: ≤ 4 m above ground

  • Illumination: non-illuminated only

  • Location: below fascia level; not on roofs or chimneys

  • Protected sites: not on listed buildings or in conservation areas

Check with your local council using the Planning Portal’s Find your local planning authority tool:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority/

Conservation areas and listed buildings

Shops in conservation areas or on listed buildings always need consent. Authorities expect:

  • Traditional materials (painted timber, non-reflective metal)

  • Discreet illumination on illuminated signs (LED down-lights, trough lights)

  • Proportional designs that respect historic character

Replacing existing shop signs

A like-for-like replacement may carry deemed consent if the original had valid permission. If the previous sign was unauthorised or you’re altering its size, style or illumination, you must apply for fresh consent. Always double-check with your local planning team.

Applying for advertisement consent

Pre-application advice

Most councils offer a pre-app review (£50–£150 as of June 2025) to flag compliance issues early.

Submitting your application

Include: completed form and owner’s consent (if needed), site and location plans, detailed sign drawings, and the application fee.

Consultation and decision

A 28-day public consultation applies; councils aim to decide within eight weeks of a valid submission. You’ll receive a notice granting consent “as applied”, “with conditions” or “refused.”

Costs and timescales (June 2025)

Note: Fees vary by authority. Confirm via the Planning Portal fee calculator before applying.
Advertisement consent application £100–£250 Varies by council; average ~£168
Online service charge (ex. VAT) £70.83 For online applications over £100
Pre-application advice £50–£150 Council-dependent
Determination period 6–8 weeks Statutory eight-week window from council validation

Top tips for approval

  • Engage early with a pre-app review

  • Provide clear, scaled mock-ups

  • Respect neighbouring signage and street character

Next steps for your shop sign

Discuss your requirements with our team, request a tailored quote, or book a pre-app review to streamline your consent process. Contact us today or call 01892362395 for expert advice.