If you are planning an event, you need to consider whether planning consent is required. Luckily, the majority of events will not require this, but it’s important not to get caught out. Planning consent is permission from the local council to carry out a specific type of development or physical change to landscape or property. It is important to understand when planning consent is required so that you can avoid any issues and ensure that your event goes smoothly. It is also important to make sure event cancellation insurance and event public liability insurance is in place once the planning consent is ready, to mitigate against any unforeseen difficulties in the future. Often you will not be able to obtain insurance without planning consent if it is required.
Planning consent for events falls into two broad categories: Long-term events, and physical changes to the event site. In the case of the former, a long-term event which takes place for longer than 28 days may require planning consent for the building of temporary structures. Whilst the majority of events will be considerably shorter - a common example of events requiring planning is Christmas Markets which are open for longer than 4 weeks. Any event of this duration falls outside of the “permitted development rights” which allow organisers to forego planning permission for shorter events.
Physical changes to the event site can include new accesses or gateways to a public road, new internal tracks or hardstands, or the installation of permanent structures ranging from stages and bars, to storage containers, bridges, or car parks. These types of works are often required during an event’s growth phase, and in most cases will require planning consent.
During a planning application, you will need to consider whether your event may cause any disturbance to the local community or affect the local environment. If there are concerns about noise levels, traffic congestion, or other potential issues, then you will need to demonstrate how these issues might be mitigated.
If you are unsure whether planning consent is required for your event, a wealth of help is available. Lots of advice is available online, through the Planning Portal (England and Wales) and E Planning (Scotland). These websites are a great first port of call, after which you may wish to contact your local council for further advice.
The planning consent application process typically involves submitting an application to the local council, along with detailed plans and information about your event. This application will be assessed by planning officers, who will consider whether the event complies with local planning policies and whether it will cause any harm to the local community or environment.
In some cases, planning officers may also require additional information or changes to the plans before granting planning consent. It is important to work closely with planning officers and respond to any requests promptly to ensure that your application is approved in a timely manner.
It is also important to note that planning consent can take some time to obtain, so it is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of the event. This will allow plenty of time for the application to be processed, any issues to be addressed, and for you to plan and prepare for the event. It’s important to also allow time for any permanent works to be conducted - for example groundworks for a new gateway.
In conclusion, whilst most events don’t require planning consent, it is important to make sure you don’t fall foul of planning law in respect of longer-term events, or new permanent changes to your event site. It is crucial to understand when planning consent is required and to submit an application in a timely manner to avoid any issues. Working closely with planning officers and responding promptly to any requests can help to ensure that your application is approved and your event goes smoothly. If you are unsure whether planning consent is required, it is always best to contact your local council for advice and guidance, or check the extensive online guidance available online.