Advertisement Consent in Glasgow - Where to Apply

Signs and Advertising Scotland 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Scotland

In Glasgow, Scotland, most fixed signs, hoardings and large advertisements need advertisement consent from the local planning authority. You should contact Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards to start an application and to check whether your sign is exempt from consent or needs a formal submission[1]. Start early: the council will assess visual impact, highway safety and conservation area/listed building effects as part of the decision process.

Check with the council before ordering or erecting a sign.

How to know if you need consent

Advertisement consent covers a wide range of signs including projecting signs, fascia signs, banners, hoardings and illuminated displays. Exemptions can apply for small, non-illuminated signs and certain temporary signs, but the exact thresholds and conditions are set out by regulation and council guidance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and legal controls in Scotland are governed by the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984 and by Glasgow City Council's planning enforcement procedures; specific penalty amounts and fee scales are not specified on the cited pages and should be checked with the council and the legislation directly[2].

  • Enforcer: Glasgow City Council Planning Enforcement and Building Standards handle breaches and investigations.
  • Report a suspected unlawful advertisement through the council planning contact channels.
  • Appeals and reviews for planning decisions are made to the Scottish Government’s appeals body; time limits for lodging appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: the council may issue removal notices, enforcement notices, or require advertisements to be altered or removed.
Unlawful adverts may be removed or ordered to be removed by the council.

Applications & Forms

Apply for advertisement consent via Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards; the council’s planning pages describe the application process and submission routes, and will identify any required forms or online portals[1]. Fees and specific form numbers are not specified on the cited council pages.

  • What to submit: plans, drawings and a location plan showing the proposed advertisement and its setting.
  • Fees: check the council planning fees page or application form for current charges; not specified on the cited page.
  • Decision times: statutory periods apply to planning decisions; consult the council for target times and consultation periods.

Action steps

  • Contact Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards to confirm whether advertisement consent is required and which form to use.
  • Prepare scaled drawings and a site location plan and submit with the application and payment as instructed by the council.
  • If refused, follow the council’s decision notice for appeal routes and timescales.

FAQ

Do I always need advertisement consent?
You usually need consent for permanent or large advertisements; small, non-illuminated or temporary notices can be exempt—check with Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards for your specific case.
How long does a decision take?
Decision times vary by application complexity and statutory consultation; the council publishes target times but exact periods should be confirmed with the planning office.
What penalties apply for unlawful adverts?
Penalties can include removal notices and enforcement action; exact fines or penalty amounts are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the council or the controlling regulations.

How-To

  1. Contact Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards to discuss the proposal and confirm whether advertisement consent is required.
  2. Gather required documents: accurate drawings, site plan, details of illumination and materials.
  3. Complete and submit the council’s application form as directed, pay the fee and provide any required certificates.
  4. Respond to any council requests for further information and await the decision notice; if refused, use the notice to begin an appeal.

Key Takeaways

  • Most permanent and large signs in Glasgow require advertisement consent.
  • Start with Glasgow City Council Planning and Building Standards to confirm requirements and forms.
  • Enforcement can include removal orders and other legal action; check official regulations for detail.

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