Assessment of Advertisement Proposals in Conservation Areas

In assessing proposals for advertisements in a conservation area the Department will give careful consideration to the impact of the proposal on the visual amenity and overall character of the area. Particular regard will be paid to the scale and proportions of the sign, the materials used and whether it is illuminated. Consent will not normally be granted for advertisements which are inappropriate to the architectural style or character of the building on which it is proposed or which would detract from the area in general. Similarly signage on the upper floors of buildings and the internal illumination of signs will not normally be acceptable. Proposals for large advertisement hoardings or which would result in a proliferation of signs can seriously harm the character and appearance of a conservation area and will therefore normally be refused consent. Additional guidance for the display of advertisements in particular conservation areas is set out in the relevant designation documents and design guides produced by the Department.