§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the regulations that apply to the display of billboards(a) in the open countryside and (b) on telegraph poles on public or private land without planning permission. [138682]
§ Keith HillThe display of outdoor advertisements including billboards in the open countryside and on telegraph poles on public and private land is controlled by the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. The express consent of the local planning authority is required before these advertisements may be lawfully displayed. The local planning authority must consider amenity and public safety issues. The consent of the owner of the land is also required. Local planning authorities have enforcement powers under sections 224 and 225 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 which they may use to remove, or require the removal of, advertisements displayed in contravention of the Regulations.