Projecting Signs UK: Expert Guide to Installation, Regulations and Best Practices

You need projecting signs that attract attention without risking fines or disputes, and this guide shows what works across the UK. Understand the mounting options, size limits and planning rules so you can choose a sign that looks great and stays compliant.

You’ll get clear guidance on common materials, installation methods and typical permission requirements so decisions stay practical and cost-effective. The right choices protect your investment and make your frontage stand out where it counts.

Key Takeaways

• Know which mounting styles and sizes suit your building and the local rules.

• Check planning and safety requirements before ordering or installing a sign.

• Choose durable materials and professional fitting to minimise ongoing issues.

  
  

Understanding Projecting Signs in the UK

Projecting signs extend from a building façade to catch pedestrian sightlines and convey business identity. You’ll learn what makes them distinct, the materials and styles commonly used, and typical size and placement rules that affect visibility and compliance.

Definition and Key Features

A projecting sign mounts perpendicular to the building face so pedestrians approaching from either direction can see it. Typical features include a fascia bracket, double-sided display panels, and hanging hardware that keeps the sign parallel to the street.

You should expect illumination options such as LED troughs, halo-lit letters or internal illumination for translucent panels. Weatherproofing matters: stainless steel fixings, powder-coated brackets and UV-stable substrates extend lifespan in UK climates.

Regulatory characteristics are critical. Many local authorities classify projecting signs as “advertisements” under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations, so restrictions on size, illumination and fixing height can apply.

Popular Materials and Designs

Aluminium composite panels (ACM) and powder-coated aluminium are common for lightweight, rigid panels that resist corrosion. You’ll see acrylic and polycarbonate used for illuminated projecting signs because they diffuse LED light evenly.

Traditional designs use timber or painted metal for pub and heritage shopfronts; these suit conservation areas where planning officers favour historic materials. For contemporary retail, you’ll see slim-profile metal trays, neon-effect LED flex and digitally printed vinyl on ACM.

Design choices often balance brand clarity with maintenance: stainless steel brackets and anti-vandal fixings reduce theft and damage, while removable snap frames aid sign updates without full refits.

Typical Sizes and Placement

Common projecting sign widths range from 600mm to 900mm for high streets, with depths between 300mm and 600mm to avoid pedestrian obstruction. In conservation areas or tight pavements, councils may limit depth to under 300mm.

Height above pavement typically must be at least 2.4m to 2.75m depending on local bylaws; busier streets and accessibility guidance sometimes require the higher clearance. For corner sites you can use double-sided or corner-mounted projecting signs to maximise sightlines.

Check local planning or highways authority for specifics: some areas require advertisement consent if signs exceed 0.3m2 or are illuminated. Use a clear dimensioned drawing and proposed fixings when consulting your planning officer.

Legal Considerations and Installation

You need to meet specific regulations, get the correct permissions, and follow safe installation practices to avoid fines, safety risks, and removal orders. Focus on planning approval, building regulations, electrical safety, and correct mounting for projecting signs.

UK Signage Regulations and Compliance

Projecting signs on highways, conservation areas, or Listed Buildings trigger stricter rules. The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 sets limits on size, illumination, and placement; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have equivalent regimes. Check whether your sign is “deemed consent” or requires an express advertisement consent application.

Electrical and light-emitting components must comply with BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) and the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations where relevant. If your sign alters structural load or attachment to a building, Building Regulations approval for stability and fire safety may apply. Keep copies of consents and technical certificates on site.

Permission Requirements

Start by contacting your local planning authority (LPA) for pre-application advice. Provide scaled drawings, elevations, proposed materials, illumination levels (in candela per metre² or lux), and a site location plan showing distances to the carriageway and footway. For Listed Buildings or conservation areas, include heritage impact statements and use conservation officer guidance.

If the sign faces a public highway, consult the local highway authority about sightlines and potential obstruction to pedestrians. Apply for express consent where your sign exceeds permitted dimensions, uses animated illumination, or projects over the highway. Expect 8–13 weeks for a decision depending on environmental or heritage constraints.

Choosing The Sign Company for Projecting Signs

When selecting a supplier for projecting signs, The sign company offers expertise in both compliance and design. The sign company provides a range of materials and illumination options to suit your branding and location, ensuring your projecting signs are both eye-catching and robust. With The sign company handling your project, you benefit from professional installation and guidance on planning requirements, making the process of adding projecting signs to your business straightforward and stress-free.

Installation Best Practices

When installing projecting signs, use corrosion-resistant fixings, stainless steel anchors, and engineered brackets sized to wind load calculations for your location. The sign company recommends engaging a structural engineer to certify mounting points when the sign exceeds 0.5m projection or is heavy; supply a signed method statement and load calculations to inspectors.

For powered projecting signs, hire NICEIC- or Part P-competent electricians and obtain electrical certification on completion. The sign company advises implementing safe access measures—scaffolding or MEWP with certified operators—and following Working at Height Regulations 2005. Keep maintenance access clear and schedule regular inspections for fixings, wiring, and illumination levels to ensure your projecting signs remain safe and effective.