How to Get Planning Permission for Bollards & Street Furniture
Most bollard installations on private land do not require planning permission. However, there are important exceptions, and installing without necessary consent can result in enforcement action, removal costs, and fines.
When Planning Permission Is NOT Required (Private Land)
Under the General Permitted Development Order 2015 (GPDO), installation of bollards and street furniture on private commercial land is generally permitted development (no planning permission required) if the installation is not within the setting of a listed building or in a conservation area, the bollards are below 2m in height, and the installation does not materially alter the appearance of the site.
When Planning Permission IS Required
- Conservation Areas: Article 4 Directions often remove permitted development rights
- Listed Buildings: Works within the curtilage may require Listed Building Consent
- Public Highway: Installations on the public highway require highway authority consent
- World Heritage Sites: Almost always require full planning consent
The Planning Application Process
Step 1: Pre-Application Enquiry
Contact the local planning authority (LPA) with a pre-application enquiry before submitting a formal application. This identifies issues before you invest in a full application. Most LPAs charge for pre-application advice.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
A typical planning application for bollards requires: application form, site location plan (1:1250 or 1:2500 scale), site plan showing proposed bollard positions, photographs of the existing site, product specifications and drawings, Design and Access Statement, and application fee (currently £234 for most minor works in England).
Step 3: Conservation Area Considerations
Consult the Conservation Area Appraisal for the area, choose bollard designs that complement the historic character, and consider consulting Historic England for Grade I/II* listed settings.
Highway Authority Consent
For installations on or adjacent to a public highway, you need a Section 50 licence (New Roads and Street Works Act 1991) for any excavation, highway authority agreement for the design, and potentially a Traffic Regulation Order if access is being restricted. Contact the highway authority's street works team early — approval processes can take 3–6 months.
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