Most business signs don't need planning permission — but there are exceptions. A Wirral sign maker with 20 years experience explains exactly when you do and don't need consent.
In 20 years of making and fitting signs across Wirral and Merseyside, I've only ever had one sign become a planning issue. It was an illuminated fascia sign facing a row of houses and a neighbour objected to the light. We worked it out — but it's a good example of when planning can come into play even when you don't expect it.
For the vast majority of business signs the answer is no — you don't need planning permission. But there are situations where you do, and it's worth knowing before you order.
Most standard business signs fall under permitted development rights, which means you can put them up without applying for consent. This generally covers:
Replacing an existing sign on a like-for-like basis — same size, same position, same type. If there's already a fascia sign on your shopfront and you're replacing it with a new one in the same location, you're almost always fine.
Standard fascia signs below certain size thresholds on retail and commercial premises. Most shopfront signs sit well within these limits without any issue.
Non-illuminated signs in most standard commercial locations — these have more flexibility than illuminated ones.
There are situations where you'll need to check before proceeding:
New sign on a building that has never had one. If the premises has no existing signage and you're putting up a sign for the first time, that's a new installation and may need consent depending on the size and type.
Conservation areas. This is the big one on the Wirral. Hamilton Square in Birkenhead and Port Sunlight in Bebington are two of the most significant conservation areas where signage rules are strictly enforced. Both are architecturally important areas with tight controls on any changes to buildings — including signage. If your premises is in or near either of these areas, always check with Wirral Council's planning department before ordering anything. The same applies to conservation areas across Liverpool and Chester.
Listed buildings. If the building is listed you'll almost certainly need listed building consent as well as planning permission. This applies even to relatively minor changes and regardless of whether there's existing signage on the building.
Illuminated signs near residential properties. As I found out first-hand, a light-up sign that shines toward houses can draw objections even if it's technically within permitted development. It's worth thinking about the direction and brightness of any illuminated sign near residential areas before you proceed.
Projecting signs over certain sizes. Signs that stick out from the building rather than sit flat against it have their own rules and size thresholds.
Planning isn't always black and white. What counts as like-for-like isn't always obvious. Different councils interpret the rules differently. And permitted development rights can be removed in certain areas — something your local planning authority will know but that isn't always clear from the outside.
For a standard sign on a standard commercial premises replacing what's already there — you're almost certainly fine. Crack on.
For anything involving a new premises with no existing signage, a conservation area like Hamilton Square or Port Sunlight, a listed building, or an illuminated sign near houses — have a quick conversation with your local planning department first. Most councils have a duty planning officer you can call for informal advice at no cost.
As your sign maker I'll always flag if something looks like it might need checking. In 20 years I've only had one job turn into a genuine planning issue — but that one time taught me it's always worth a quick check when the situation isn't straightforward.
Give me a shout. Free site survey, free design visual and honest advice about what's likely to need planning consent and what doesn't. If your premises is in a conservation area or listed building I've worked in both and can point you in the right direction before you spend a penny.