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Is planning permission needed for construction site hoardings?

03/08/2025 by Paul

One of the first elements you will notice at any construction site is the hoardings that surround it. These large metal or wooden barriers are designed to screen the site off from the public, as well as to promote the development under construction.

If you are intending to build, you will need them – but will you also need planning permission?

The regulations

In the majority of cases, the answer to the above question is no. However, that does not mean you can just erect hoardings around your construction site without checking first. There are some situations where planning permission will be required. Let us look at what the determining factors can be.

The size and height

This is one of the key factors, because hoardings that exceed a certain height can be subject to planning permission. The standard height for construction hoardings in the UK is two metres, so as long as they are not taller than that, you should be fine. If you do want them to go above that height, you will need to consult your local authority.

The duration of their presence

When hoardings are classified as temporary, they do not need planning permission. This means you must not be intending to keep them up for longer than 28 days. Of course, some construction projects do run for longer than that, so you may need to apply for planning permission. It will depend on the scale of the project.

Do you need planning permission for site hoardings?

When planning permission usually isn’t required:

  • Temporary use: Hoardings erected briefly for safety or privacy purposes
  • Standard height: Typically below two metres
  • No advertising: Hoardings without any promotional advertising

When planning permission may be required:

  • Too tall: Structures exceeding the standard height 
  • Advertising: Hoardings featuring promotional displays
  • Long-term use: Hoardings that remain in place for a long time

Local council regulations may affect planning permission and hoarding requirements. We recommend checking with your council before installation.

For construction hoarding signs in Manchester that comply with all legal regulations, call Ainsley Signs today.