Do commercial awnings need planning permission or a pavement licence?

It depends on the location and how the awning is used. A fixed or retractable awning on a private frontage is often permitted, but consent may be required for using on listed buildings, within conservation areas, awnings projecting over a public highway or smaller pavement areas, and large or illuminated installations. If your awning covers seating on a public footway, you may also need a pavement/highway licence from your local authority. We can advise on what’s typically required, but the licence application is made by the business with many previous restrictions eased since the Covid pandemic.