Do I need planning permission for illuminated signs?

A question we hear frequently is: “What planning permission do I need when choosing illuminated signs?” In this knowledge centre post we are going to consider the rules affecting the towns within the county of Sussex and how permission changes depending on building type.

Do I always need planning permission for illuminated signage?

In most cases, yes.

If your sign is internally or externally illuminated, or over a certain size, you’ll usually need advertisement consent (the planning term for signage permission). Even small, illuminated signs require approval, especially in conservation areas or on listed buildings.

The advertisement consent instruction booklet is a 33 page read, you will be glad to know that The Sussex Sign Company having been designing, manufacturing and installing signs across the county for 30+ years are experts in the rules and will be able to guide you through what you can and can not have and how best to ask permission.

What are the specific restrictions on illuminated signage in Sussex?

Sussex has a wide mix of modern retail areas, historic towns, and conservation zones. The planning permission rules for illuminated signs vary depending on your location and building type:

1. No Restrictions (Standard Locations)

If your business is in a modern retail or industrial area, non-illuminated fascia signs may not need consent. However, any form of illumination almost always requires express planning permission.

2. Conservation Areas

These areas are protected for their historic character. Illuminated signs are tightly controlled, and designs must be sympathetic to the surroundings. Subtle options such as discreet trough lights or halo-lit letters are more likely to be approved than bright box signs.

3. Listed Buildings

Listed buildings are heavily protected. Any signage (illuminated or not) requires listed building consent in addition to advertisement consent. Special care must be taken not to damage the original structure, which often means using non-invasive mounting techniques or freestanding signs.

4. Other Local Guidance

Local councils such as Mid Sussex or Lewes often publish shopfront design guides, encouraging signage that respects the character of the street. Early consultation with planning or conservation officers is always advised.

How to navigate planning permission for illuminated signs successfully?

1. Consult planning officers early – it is always sensible to engage with planning officers early, their guidance and permission will always be needed so approaching them for Pre-application advice can save you time, money, and frustration.
2. Apply for the right permissions – it is important to understand the Advertisement Consent regulation that affects you regarding signage and illumination, your location, your type of building and proposed sign, with the help of both the Sussex Sign Company and the planning officers we can ensure the right permissions are requested.
3. Design with the setting in mind – Subtle illumination is more acceptable than harsh, modern lighting in heritage areas. By looking around your business location you can get a feel for what is considered acceptable and get a pretty good guage for what won’t!
4. Use non-invasive installation methods – Adhesive mounts, freestanding signs, or window graphics can be good alternatives for sensitive buildings, all of which we can help and guide you with.
5. Consider like-for-like replacements – Updating an existing approved illuminated sign may be simpler than installing a brand new design.

The bottom line

At The Sussex Sign Company, our approach to planning permission for illuminated signs as well as all other forms of signage is straightforward:

• We start with your business goals.
• We consider your location’s specific rules.
• We design signage that works for you and will get approval.
• We guide you through the permissions process so there are no surprises.