Commercial Canopies: Do I Need Planning Permission?

12/09/2014 As a result of the increasing trend of outdoor dining, many businesses are looking to open up their outdoor areas to customers. To help protect those customers from poor weather conditions, many are opting to install one of the wide range of canopies and awnings currently available on the market. If this is something you are considering for your business, you should be aware that in many instances it will be necessary to apply for planning permission; something that, depending on your local authority, can take between 4 and 5 weeks. Whilst not every installation will require planning permission, we would always recommend speaking to your local planning officer and discussing your individual plans in more detail. This process would cover the following installations: Wall Mounted Canopies Wall mounted canopies reduce the level of obstruction at ground level and are available in a wide range of sizes to cover your outdoor space. If you are looking for wall mounted awnings we have a range of options available, including:

• Folding arm awnings
• Canopy awnings
• Drop arm awnings
• Shop awnings
• Al fresco awnings

Floor Mounted Canopies Where there are regular changes to the use of an area, floor mounted canopies make more sense than a permanent installation. As a blind of this kind is likely to cause more of an obstruction to pedestrians you are required under Health and Safety regulations to take all necessary precautions to prevent injury and harm to the public. At Cooks we currently supply and install:

• Free standing awnings
• Giant umbrellas
• Pergolas
• Verandas

Replacements If the work you wish to carry out involves the replacement of an existing awning then the process is slightly different. In most instances you will be allowed to replace your existing awning or canopy without planning permission - as long as it is a like-for-like replacement. Where you wish to make dramatic changes to the nature or scale of the covering, you would need to seek planning permission. Again, if you are unsure we would recommend that you contact your local planning officer. If you would like more information regarding our range of awnings and canopies do not hesitate to get in touch on 01603 410304.