Signposting

Signposting Rural Businesses

Policy TM4

Proposals for advance signs on private land outside highway limits which refer to rural businesses, tourist attractions or accommodation will be permitted outside the principal settlements where all the following criteria are satisfied:

1. the sign is reasonably required to locate a destination that is not situated in a named road or readily identified location;
2. the proposal is acceptable on highway safety grounds;
3. the sign identifies the premises only and does not include any advertising;
4. the sign is not illuminated;
5. the sign utilises an existing means of support where possible;
6. the sign, either on its own or cumulatively with other approved signs, will not harm the amenities of nearby residents or the character of the locality.

3.79 The Council recognises the importance of established and new rural enterprises in the local economy, and that numerous rural enterprises rely on casual trade from visitors to the area, many of whom may have problems locating businesses in more remote locations. Signs would clearly be of assistance in such cases. However, those within the highway are subject to the control of the highway authority or, in the case of trunk roads, the Highways Agency. These authorities have their own criteria for the control of signing which are likely to preclude the erection of signs including, in the case of trunk roads, advance signs on private land outside the highway boundary. In so far as signs proposed outside the highway are concerned, over which the Council exercises control, high standards of design will be expected in all cases and proposals not meeting the requirements of the above policy will be refused. In certain locations a composite sign of appropriate size may be appropriate to avoid a proliferation of individual signs. The Council is currently examining the possibility of establishing a scheme for the provision of standardised signs for rural enterprises.