Small biz + ? small confusing problem with the council

jojo_2012_2

Trying to keep this short and sweet. I'm sorry it's going to sound confusing because it is confusing.

My friend leases some land to run his business from. He has full permission to do this from the council. The place is down a backstreet quite hard to find.

The owner of the land says it's ok to place signs on the pavement of the street on the corner. The owner of the land paid a fee to the council to get advice about where the correct place to put the sign was (apparently) and is waiting to hear. I'm taking this to mean they have permission but no paperwork with the specifics. It sounds dodgy to me as I don't like anything not written down, but my friend isn't English this probably sounds reasonable to him.

For a few weeks now a local councillor (left his business card and mugshot online so definitely him) has been on at friend to remove the sign saying he doesn't have permission. He hasn't given my friend anything in writing, just seems to come down and harass them (friends words, I think emotions might have been running).

To make matters worse, the councillor came around for the 5th time today, he said he's taking friend to court to fine them. He said he's going to go into the businesses where the sign is (2 estate agents on a very wide pavement), and get them to sign a complaint. This seems wrong to me.

Does anyone have any experience in permission to place signs. Does anyone have any knowledge of the rights of these local councillors it sounds a little bizarre to me.

paulwf

The simple answer is that the correct technical officer needs to be contacted at the council who can give a definitive answer, then ask for them to visit the site then give an answer in writing. If you wish to dispute their written guidance seek legal advice.

Generally on public payments nothing is allowed unless specific permission is granted by the council e.g. permits for tables and chairs outside cafes. Whether councils have advertising spots I have no idea but it sounds unlikely. My council won't let me do a single thing once I cross over my boundary onto public land.

I can't see why the owner is paying out money for a council ruling and it all seems to be a bit vague. The councillor should also be going through the proper council channels.

Basically get the council to issue guidance then either remove the sign or you'll have proof it is allowed. This isn't my area of expertise so my opinion is worth very little but my gut feeling FWIW is the sign is probably not allowed.