Advertisements and shop signs
Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 1994 (as amended), all advertisements which fall within the scope of the regulations need consent before they can be legally displayed.
An advertisement is defined as any illuminated or non-illuminated word, letter, model, sign, placard, board, notice, device or representation, which is used wholly or partly for the purpose of advertisement, announcement or direction.
It includes any hoarding or similar structure which is to be used or adapted for the display of advertisements.
For more information about advertising and signs, view the Communities and Local Government publication: Outdoor Advertisements and Signs: A Guide for Advertisers
Also view the Barnet Planning Guidance Note 1 for help in designing your proposed signs.
Making an application for advertisement consent
You can apply online for advertisement consent via the Planning Portal. This service, developed in partnership with the Planning Portal, enables you to fill in and submit electronic forms, attach electronic drawings (preferably in pdf format) and site location plans. The service will advise on the required fee, which can also be paid online.
Alternatively, make a paper application by submitting:
Four copies of completed and signed application forms.
Forms can be obtained:
- on-line together with guidance notes, printed off, completed and returned
- directly from the Planning Reception, at the address below
- they can be sent to you by phoning: 020 8359 3000.
Four copies of plans drawn to scale (normally 1:100 or 1:50), together with four copies of 1:1250 scale site location plans.
A fee is payable depending on the type of application. To check the fee, go to the fees calculator at the Planning Portal.
Alternatively, view the list of Planning Fees 
(PDF 59KB).
Applications submitted by hand/post should be sent to the Barnet House address using the contact details opposite.
