Amenity sign policy
1. Introduction
1.1 Amenities must normally meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of 5,000 visitors per year
- Open at least 50 days per year
- Signed only from the nearest A or B road, town, or village
Exceptions may be made for larger amenities or those with educational value, uniqueness, or traffic management needs.
1.2 Amenities are expected to promote themselves through leaflets and other materials. Highway signs should not be the sole method of promotion.
1.3 Road safety, traffic management, and environmental concerns will take priority in case of conflict.
2. Retail Facilities
Retail signs are only permitted for shops aimed specifically at tourists. Town centre shops and factory outlets may not qualify unless they serve a wider catchment area. General signs for superstores and retail parks will continue to follow existing guidance.
3. Recreational and Sports Facilities
These may be signed as attractions or facilities. Many are already signed with black and white signs for local use. Exceptions may include ten pin bowling or golf clubs that attract visitors from outside the area or have location difficulties.
4. Schools and Children’s Nurseries
Signs will only be considered if there are location difficulties. To avoid excessive signage, signs will be black and white and limited to a maximum of five locations.
5. Churches and Places of Worship
Signs will only be considered if there are location difficulties. As with schools, signs will be black and white and limited to a maximum of five locations.
6. Signing in Urban and Rural Areas
6.1 Urban areas may have stricter criteria due to limited space and the availability of information boards.
6.2 Conservation areas and areas of special landscape significance may restrict signage for environmental reasons.
6.3 Requests may be refused due to siting difficulties or excessive signage. A maximum of six destinations will normally be allowed.
6.4 Improvements to existing signs may be considered to reduce the need for new signs. Applicants may be asked to contribute to costs.
