Advertisement Consent & Control - Liverpool
Overview
In Liverpool, England, the display of advertisements and signs is regulated to protect public safety, amenity and the character of conservation areas. Permission is required for many types of signs on buildings, hoardings and in public spaces; some adverts are "deemed consent" under national regulations but still subject to conditions. Council planning policy and national advertisement regulations together determine what is allowed and when you must apply for formal advertisement consent. For Liverpool-specific guidance see the council planning advice and national regulations below.Advertise guidance[1] Planning Portal overview[2]
What needs consent
- Permanent signage fixed to buildings or freestanding signs visible from the highway.
- Large hoardings and estate agent boards, especially in conservation areas and along classified roads.
- Illuminated signs and moving/animated adverts that may affect safety or amenity.
Applying for Advertisement Consent
Applications for advertisement consent in Liverpool are submitted to Liverpool City Council’s planning service. Applications must include details of size, materials, location, proposed illumination and supporting drawings or photographs. Some minor signage may be covered by permitted (deemed) consent under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, but permitted status can carry conditions. National application procedures are explained on the Planning Portal and the council accepts applications and supporting documents online.Planning Portal guidance[2]
Applications & Forms
Required forms and submission routes for Liverpool are available via the council planning application service. Fees, where payable, follow the council’s published charging schedule or national fee tables. If a specific Liverpool form or fee is not published on the cited council page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of advertisement rules in Liverpool is carried out by the council’s planning enforcement team and relevant licensing or highways teams where adverts affect highways or licensed premises. The council can require removal of unauthorised adverts, serve enforcement notices, and pursue legal action where necessary. Specific penalty amounts are not specified on the cited Liverpool planning guidance page; national procedures under the 2007 Regulations set out controls but do not list fixed fines on the cited pages.Liverpool adverts guidance[1] Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007[3]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited council page; see the national regulations and local enforcement notices for details.[1]
- Escalation: council may request removal, issue enforcement notices, and pursue prosecution or injunctions; specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited Liverpool page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, enforcement notices, injunctions and court proceedings are available remedies under planning legislation and local enforcement policy.[3]
- Enforcer and complaints: Liverpool City Council Planning Enforcement team handles complaints and inspections; contact details and complaint process are on the council site.Report enforcement
Appeals, Reviews & Time Limits
Appeals against advertisement control decisions and enforcement notices follow national appeal routes and deadlines set out by the planning inspectorate and national regulations; specific appeal time limits and procedures are set out in the regulations and on the Planning Portal or council decision notices. If a time limit is not stated on a Liverpool decision page, it is not specified on the cited page.[2]
Common Violations
- Unauthorised billboard or hoarding installed without consent.
- Illuminated signage added to a listed building or in a conservation area without permission.
- Signs obstructing pedestrian routes or highways, posing safety risks.
Action Steps
- Check Liverpool City Council guidance and national regulations to confirm whether consent is required.[1]
- Prepare drawings and specification and submit an advertisement consent application to the council or apply via the Planning Portal.[2]
- Report unauthorised or unsafe signs to Liverpool City Council Planning Enforcement using the council complaint page.
FAQ
- Do I always need planning permission for a sign?
- Not always; some signs are covered by national permitted development rules but many require advertisement consent from the council.
- How do I report an unauthorised advert in Liverpool?
- Report it to Liverpool City Council’s Planning Enforcement team via the council enforcement page; include photos, address and location details.
- Can I appeal a removal or enforcement notice?
- Yes; appeals follow national planning appeal procedures and timescales set out in the regulations and on decision notices.
How-To
- Check whether the sign is permitted by consulting Liverpool City Council guidance and the Planning Portal.[1]
- Prepare required drawings and details (size, materials, illumination) for the application.
- Submit an advertisement consent application online to Liverpool City Council or via the Planning Portal and pay any fee.
- If refused or if you receive an enforcement notice, follow the appeal instructions on the decision or notice and submit within the stated deadline.
Key Takeaways
- Always check Liverpool City Council guidance and national regulations before installing a sign.
- Submit full drawings and details when applying to avoid delays.
Help and Support / Resources
- Liverpool City Council - Advertisements and signs
- Liverpool City Council - Planning Enforcement
- Planning Portal - Advertisements and signs
- Legislation.gov.uk - Control of Advertisements Regulations 2007