OUTDOOR SIGNS AND ADVERTISEMENTS
This section of the website advises you about who to ask about outdoor signs and advertisements. Planning regulations strictly control the size, position and illumination of such signs. You are advised to seek the advice of the planning department of your local authority or National Park authority (where relevant) before commissioning and setting up any signs for your premises to avoid wasting money because if they do not comply with the regulations you will be forced to remove them.
This section answers the following questions:
- What is an outdoor sign or advertisement?
- Do I need planning consent for all outdoor signs and advertisements?
- How can I get more detailed information about outdoor signs and advertisements?
- Who controls outdoor signs and advertisements?
- How do I apply for planning consent for an outdoor sign or advertisement?
- What can I do if the planning authority refuses consent?
- Who do I ask about ‘brown signs’?
- What is an outdoor sign or advertisement?
The advertisement control system covers a very wide range of advertisements and signs including:
- posters and notices
- placards and boards
- fascia signs and projecting signs
- pole signs and canopy signs
- models and devices
- advance signs and directional signs
- estate agents' boards
- captive balloon advertising (not balloons in flight)
- flag advertisements
- price markers and price displays
- traffic signs
- town and village name-signs
Memorials and railway signals are not regarded as advertisements
Do I need planning consent for all outdoor signs and advertisements?
You do not need planning consent for all sorts of outdoor sign or advertisement. There are three different groups of outdoor advertisement, i.e.
- Advertisements which the rules deliberately exclude from the planning authority's control (click here to see examples).
- Advertisements for which the rules give a 'deemed consent' so that the planning authority's consent is not needed, provided your advertisement is within the rules (click here to see examples).
- Advertisements for which the planning authority's ‘express consent' is always needed. This includes virtually all posters, some illuminated signs, fascia signs and projecting signs on shop-fronts or business premises where the top edge of the sign is more than 4.6 metres above ground level and most advertisements on gable-ends.
Who controls outdoor signs and advertisements?
The display of all outdoor signs and advertisements is strictly governed by planning regulations. These regulations are complex. In Wales, the planning departments of local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the regulations and for deciding whether a particular advertisement should be permitted or not. However, there is one exception to this arrangement and that is that if your advertisement is to be displayed in any National Park, the planning authority is the National Park authority. You are strongly advised to seek the advice of the planning department of your local authority or the National Park Authority before commissioning and setting up any signs for your premises.
How do I apply for planning consent for an outdoor sign or advertisement?
Most planning authorities provide a standard application form, which includes information on the current charge for applying for each type of advertisement. As well as the completed application form you will have to provide illustrative plans and drawings.
What can I do if the planning authority refuses consent?
If the planning authority refuses consent for your advertisement, or requires you to remove an existing advertisement, you have a right to appeal against their decision. Your appeal would be to the Welsh Assembly Government.
Who can I ask about ‘brown signs’?
There are special directional brown signs for certain accommodation and visitor attraction providers. The criteria for being able to apply for one are based upon WAG/Visit Wales criteria. For further information telephone: 02920 499909
If you would like to download this document please click on one of the links below:
Signs (Word Document 118Kb)
Signs (PDF Document 126Kb)
