Advertisement Consent Policy Changes - London Bylaws
In London, England the display of most advertisements is controlled by statutory advertisement consent and local planning rules. This guide explains the legal framework, who enforces the rules, likely consequences for unauthorised signage, and practical steps for businesses, landlords and advertisers operating in London. It focuses on the statutory control under national regulations and the role of local planning authorities in London boroughs, plus where to apply, how to report unauthorised adverts and options to appeal or seek retrospective consent.
Legal Framework
Advertisement control in England is governed primarily by the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, which set when consent is required and the role of local planning authorities. [1] National guidance on advertisements clarifies local enforcement and permitted classes but refers enforcement and applications to borough planning authorities and the Planning Portal. [2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is normally undertaken by the local planning authority (the relevant London borough or the City of London Corporation). The 2007 Regulations set the consent regime but the cited pages do not specify fixed fine amounts on those pages; specific monetary penalties are not specified on the cited pages. [1]
- Enforcer: local planning authority (planning enforcement team) and building control for related works.
- Typical enforcement actions: enforcement notices requiring removal or alteration, discontinuance notices for advertisements, and seizure/removal of unauthorised signage where statutory powers permit.
- Court action and prosecution are referenced in statutory provisions, but specific penalties or fine levels are not specified on the cited guidance pages. [1]
- Escalation: local authorities may issue warnings, enforcement notices, and then take prosecution or remedial action for continuing breaches; exact escalation steps and timeframes vary by authority and are not specified on the cited pages. [2]
- Inspection and complaints: report unauthorised adverts to the borough planning enforcement team or use the Planning Portal information to locate the correct contact.
Applications & Forms
Advertisement consent applications are submitted to the relevant local planning authority, commonly via the national Planning Portal or the borough's planning application system. Fees and specific forms are set by each local planning authority or the Planning Portal; fee levels and form names are not specified on the cited national guidance pages. [2]
Common Violations and Defences
- Unauthorised illuminated signs or digital screens on buildings.
- Large banners, hoardings or scaffolding adverts without consent.
- Advertisements projecting over the highway without permission.
- Defences commonly rely on permitted development rights, prior consent, or demonstrating a reasonable excuse; availability of these defences depends on the specific regulations and local policy.
Action Steps
- Check whether your proposed advert falls within permitted categories or requires advertisement consent.
- Apply for advertisement consent via the Planning Portal or your borough planning portal before installation.
- Confirm fees with the local planning authority when submitting the application.
- Report unauthorised adverts to your borough planning enforcement team with photos and location details.
FAQ
- Do I always need advertisement consent for signage in London?
- Not always; some small adverts are permitted by national regulations but many signs, especially large or illuminated adverts in London, require formal advertisement consent from the local planning authority.
- Where do I apply for advertisement consent?
- Apply to your local planning authority, typically via the Planning Portal or the borough planning portal; check the borough website for application details and contacts.
- What happens if I display an advert without consent?
- The local planning authority can take enforcement action such as serving an enforcement or discontinuance notice and may pursue removal or prosecution where appropriate; precise penalties are set by statute and practice and are not specified on the cited guidance pages. [1]
How-To
- Identify the location and full specification of the proposed advert (dimensions, illumination, duration).
- Consult the Planning Portal and the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 to check permitted categories and restrictions. [1]
- Contact your borough planning officer for pre-application advice if the advert is large, illuminated or on heritage assets.
- Submit a full advertisement consent application through the Planning Portal or the borough portal, including drawings and planning statements as requested.
- If enforcement action is taken, follow the notice instructions, seek legal or planning advice, and consider applying for retrospective consent where available.
Key Takeaways
- Most significant adverts in London need formal consent from the local planning authority.
- Report unauthorised signs to the borough planning enforcement team promptly with evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- Planning Portal - apply for planning permission and guidance
- City of London Corporation - Planning services and contacts
- Transport for London - advertising on TfL assets and policies