Do I Need Planning Permission for a Commercial Awning?
If you’re considering installing an awning at your business premises, you might be wondering whether you need to obtain planning permission first. The answer is… it depends. In this article, we’ll explore the rules around commercial awnings and planning permission in the UK.
What is planning permission?
Planning permission is a legal requirement for certain types of building work. It is granted by your local planning authority (usually your local council) and ensures that any changes to buildings or land are in line with local and national planning policies.
Do I need planning permission for a commercial awning?
In most cases, you won’t need planning permission to install a commercial awning. This is because awnings are often considered to be ‘permitted development’, which means they don’t require planning permission as long as they meet certain criteria.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. You may need to apply for planning permission if:
- Your awning will project more than 2 metres from the building’s wall
- Your awning will be situated on a listed building or in a conservation area
- Your awning will be used for advertising purposes
- Your awning will be fixed over a beer garden or outdoor seating area to provide shelter for smokers
If you’re unsure whether your awning requires planning permission, it’s always best to check with your local planning authority before going ahead with the installation.
The benefits of commercial awnings
Commercial awnings offer a range of benefits for all kinds of businesses. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to consider installing an awning at your premises:
- Provide shade and shelter
Restaurant awnings, cafe awnings and shop awnings can all provide much-needed shade and shelter for your customers, making your outdoor space more comfortable and inviting.
- Increase your usable space
An awning can effectively extend your indoor space, giving you more room to seat customers or display products.
- Improve your kerb appeal
A well-designed awning can enhance the appearance of your business and make it stand out from the competition.
- Protect your furnishings
By shielding your windows and outdoor furniture from the sun’s rays, an awning can help prevent your furniture from fading.
Why choose Outershade for your commercial awning?
At Outershade, we specialise in creating bespoke commercial awnings that are tailored to your exact requirements. Our awnings are crafted from the finest materials and packed with the latest technology, ensuring they provide the perfect combination of functionality and style.
Whether you’re looking for a restaurant awning, cafe awning or shop awning we can help you create an outdoor space that your customers will love.
With thousands of design combinations to choose from and a range of accessories available, you can create a truly unique awning that reflects your brand.
Get in touch with Outershade today to discover how we can transform your outdoor space with a beautiful bespoke awning. Fill out our online form for a free quote and let us help you to create an outdoor area that you and your customers will love.
