Illegal ads on rise in economic downturn
Local planning authorities (LPAs) are seeing an increase in illegal advertisements and other types of unauthorised activity. The increase is being put down to small and medium-sized firms trying to promote their businesses within tougher market conditions.
A number of LPAs have seen a rise in advertisements taking the form of A-boards, staked signs on verges, fly-posting and banners. Others report a rise in unauthorised commercial ventures being set up from home.
Many enforcement teams are reviewing such activity on a case-by-case basis to balance the need for tolerance, as prosecutions could send small firms under, and the need to set examples to discourage future unauthorised activity.
A guide to displaying outdoor advertisements and the planning regime that underpins it can be accessed here
July 23 2010
