London boroughs poised to win new powers to install signs and lighting

Boroughs in the capital will have new powers to install signs and lighting on business owners’ property once they formally adopt guidance issued by the London Councils organisation.

Powers in the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2013 mean boroughs will need to give building owners 56 days’ notice of their plans to put up signs and lights. This is expected to reduce the need to erect lampposts and signposts on the pavement.

Boroughs will be able to use these powers once they formally adopt London Councils’ new guidance, which was approved at the June 2015 meeting of the organisation’s transport and environment committee.

Property owners still have the right to challenge councils' decisions before they are carried out.

Under previous legislation boroughs were required to seek permission from business owners to install signs and lighting.

According to London Councils, this was “an often lengthy process which was costly to the public purse”. As a result, lights and signs were almost always put up on posts and columns, it said.

The guidance contains a number of exemptions, including for listed buildings and theatres.

Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “Street signage and lighting is essential but too often the posts and columns are ugly and intrusive. Everyone benefits from approaches which protect the look and feel of our streets.

“These new guidelines will empower boroughs to reduce the need to install more and more street furniture and reduce the cost of putting up signs and lights.

“The document has also been designed as an informative and accessible tool to help property owners understand their rights under the legislation. Our aim is that boroughs, residents and business owners will work together to protect the capital’s urban environment.”