Business signs are often the first thing people see when they walk into a new store, remodel their office, or go to an event. Good signs make your brand stand out, bring in foot traffic, and help people remember you. You may need planning permission to put up several kinds of signs in the UK, especially in areas like Luton, Bedford, and Dunstable. At SignArt Pro, we make beautiful, high-impact signs — but we also make sure our clients follow the law. In this blog post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about getting permission to put up signs in Luton and the surrounding districts.
What Is Planning Permission for Signs?
Planning permission is when your local government gives you the go-ahead to put up signs or ads in public places. In the UK, you usually need permission for:
- Signs with lights
- Big signs on shopfronts
- Banners larger than a specific size
- Permanent outdoor signage
- Freestanding signs on public land
In Luton, the Luton Borough Council handles this under the Advertisement Consent rules.
Why Is Planning Permission Important?
If you don’t follow the rules for planning permission, you could face:
- Fines or legal notices
- Forced removal of signs
- Delays to your project
- Complaints from the council or public
Even if you own the building, putting up a big or illuminated sign without permission could break The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 2007. We’ve seen businesses spend double correcting illegal signs compared to doing it right the first time.
Which Signs Usually Need Permission?
You don’t need permission for every sign, but you typically do for:
- Large signs (over 0.3 square meters), especially visible from the street
- Illuminated signs, inside or outside, due to light pollution and road safety
- Signs on listed buildings, regardless of size or lighting
- Freestanding signs on public land (like A-boards or totem poles)
- Moving or digital signs, showing changing images
- Roof or high-level signs, which may need extra safety checks and council approval
Which Signs Don’t Need Planning Permission?
Some signs are exempt if they meet certain rules:
- Internal window signs (unlit, under 0.3 square meters)
- Temporary signs (up for less than 14 days)
- Small nameplates or directional signs (e.g., for home-based businesses)
- Forecourt signs at petrol stations or car dealerships
- Vehicle graphics — branding on vans or cars is fine
However, exemptions may not apply in conservation areas or listed sites — it’s always best to check.
Special Rules in Luton
Luton has conservation zones and strict guidelines for safety and appearance. For example:
- Bury Park and High Town have tighter shopfront rules.
- Bright or flashy signs in residential streets may not be allowed.
- Heritage buildings and retail parks have stricter planning controls.
At SignArt Pro, we design signs that fit local requirements.
How to Get Advertisement Consent in Luton
If you need planning permission:
- Visit the Luton Borough Council website
- Go to the Advertisement Consent section
- Complete and submit your application — include designs, sizes, materials, lighting, and placement
- Pay the application fee (around £132 for standard signs)
- Wait for approval (typically 6–8 weeks, depending on complexity)
When you work with SignArt Pro, we help you with this — providing CAD drawings and specs for your application.
What If You Rent the Property?
Always check your lease, even if you don’t need planning permission. Many landlords have rules on:
- Where signs can go
- Size and appearance
- Whether lighting is allowed
- Fixing signs to brickwork or facades
Always get written permission from the landlord before installing.
Risks of Not Getting Permission
Putting up signs without permission can be costly. Risks include:
- Enforcement notices — the council may order removal
- Fines, especially for oversized or overly bright signs
- Damaged reputation — customers may see your business as unprofessional
- Project delays — removing and redoing signs wastes time and money
We’ve helped many clients fix non-compliant signs — but it’s always cheaper to do it right the first time.
How SignArt Pro Helps You Stay Compliant
We don’t just design and install signs — we handle the legal details too. Here’s how we help:
✅ Free site visits to check if you need permission
✅ Custom drawings and designs for your application
✅ Advice on materials and lighting that meet council rules
✅ Support with council submissions
✅ Fast turnaround for urgent promotions and events
✅ Local experience — we know Bedfordshire councils inside out
Whether it’s a shopfront in Luton, hotel signs in Dunstable, or event signs in Bedford — we do it right.
Real Example: A Shopfront Sign in Luton Town Centre
We recently helped a clothing store on George Street install a beautiful illuminated shopfront sign. It needed permission because it was in a conservation area and exceeded the standard size limit.
Our team:
- Designed a sign to meet planning rules
- Submitted plans to the council
- Coordinated with the landlord
- Installed the sign within 48 hours of approval
Now they stand out on the high street — fully compliant and looking great.
Do It Right the First Time
Business signs are powerful tools — but only if installed legally and thoughtfully. Poor planning can cost you money and headaches. At SignArt Pro, we help Luton businesses grow with signs that turn heads and meet all regulations.
Ready to Start?
Call or get your free quote today:
📍 Visit us: Unit 1, 184 Camford Way, Luton, LU3 3AN
📞 Call: +44 7469 814114
📩 Email: hello@signartpro.co.uk
