Advertisement Control
Each year, particularly during the summer, we receive a number of concerns about outdoor advertisements.
Advertisement Control Policy
We have adopted the central and local government Concordat on Enforcement and a Planning Enforcement and Monitoring Policy setting out the principles of good enforcement and monitoring. What you can expect from us is set out in our Customer Charter for Development Control (opens Document Library).
Many advertisements, within specified limits, can be displayed without the need to apply to us, others need our consent.
It is an offence to display an advertisement in contravention of the controls and nothing in this policy condones this. Our approach to enforcing the controls is based on a proportionate response to the harm to public safety and/or amenity caused by the display of the advertisement.
Advice
When we identify a breach of advertisement control we will normally give the person displaying the advertisement or the landowner the opportunity to remedy the situation voluntarily. We will give clear, open advice on the options, including removing or altering the advertisement or making an application for consent to display it, in order to comply with the controls.
Taking action
We will take action in respect of breaches of advertisement control which cause identifiable harm to public safety or amenity. But we do not believe that the public interest is well served by us taking action against a breach of advertisement control which causes no harm. We will not let our helpful approach hinder effective action when this is warranted in the public interest and we will always justify our decision in writing.
Priorities
Our priorities for taking action against unauthorised advertisements are those which:
- pose a serious risk to public safety
- cause identifiable harm to the amenity and special qualities of the landscape of the Lake District
- cause identifiable harm to the setting of listed buildings or conservation areas
We will always consider all of our options for action, with prosecution being more likely for repeat offenders of priorities 1, 2 and 3.
Useful links
- Advertisement Consent with checklist and a link to the application form
- Outdoor Advertisements leaflets (opens Document Library)
- Outdoor advertisements and signs: a guide for advertisers (opens new window)
