Highway Projection Licence

Licences are required for any display that may protrude or project (overhang) over the public highway from an adjoining building; for example, canopies, blinds, CCTV equipment, public house or shop signs.

The issuing of a licence is dealt with by the Council under Section 177 of the Highway Act 1980.

To allow for the safe passage of pedestrians beneath projections the height from the bottom of the projection to the pavement should not normally be less than 3 metres and should not project to a point within 0.45 metres of the edge of the carriageway.

If at a future date pavement furniture is added by the Council, and the display area of the Licence is affected, the Licence will be reviewed or removed.

Applications for a licence should be accompanied by the following:

• Details of the Planning consent, if applicable
• Details of the proposed apparatus with regard to the height above the public footpath, the projection distance and clearance distance between edge of the projection and the edge of the carriageway.
• If applicable, independent structural check certificates.
• Details of the prospective licensee's Public Liability Insurance cover

Technical Approval in Principle to be granted by the Council's Structural Engineers. The structural requirements will be incorporated into the licence. 

For further information regarding obtaining a highway projection licence or to discuss your proposals, please use one of the contact methods detailed on the contact page.

Planning Permission

To check if planning permission is required for your proposal refer to Planning Guidance No 7 -  Outdoor advertisements and signs.The advice in this document represents the Council's views as to best practice and is the main criteria used to assess whether planning permission should be granted are set out in the document.