Planning Policy Wales - Brecon Beacons National Park

3.4.4 Where it is not clear from a planning application that provision for everyone is being
achieved, it will be preferable to resolve the issue through negotiation. If there is a clear planning
need it may be appropriate to impose a condition 23 to ensure adequate accessibility for all.
3.4.5 Historic buildings can present particular accessibility difficulties 24 . The provision of access
suitable for all should be encouraged wherever the installation of such access would not unduly
affect the special character of an historic building. When a new extension is designed for a building
of special architectural or historic interest it should be fully accessible. Access audits may be useful
in assessing the accessibility of historic buildings.
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3.5 Control of outdoor advertisements
3.5.1 The statutory provisions enable local planning authorities to control the display of
advertisements when it is justified, in the interests of public safety and amenity. The control regime
does not enable the authority to regulate the subject-matter of any advertisement. The test in
assessing an advertisement’s impact on public safety is whether the advertisement itself, or the exact
location proposed for its display, is likely to be so distracting or confusing that it creates a hazard
to, or endangers, people in the vicinity who are taking reasonable care for their own and others’
safety.
3.5.2 The test in considering an advertisement’s impact on amenity is whether it will adversely
affect the appearance of the building, or of the immediate neighbourhood, where it is to be
displayed. Local planning authorities should therefore consider the local characteristics of the
neighbourhood, including its scenic, historic, architectural or cultural features. Because assessment
of these factors may appear to involve some subjective judgement, authorities should be consistent in
their assessment of visual impact in similar or comparable neighbourhoods or surroundings.
3.5.3 No advertisement sign should be displayed without the consent of the landowner, and it is
an offence to erect or paint signs on any part of a public highway 27 . Unless applicants are able
to demonstrate prior highway authority authorisation for the proposed sign(s), then applications to
display advertisements on (or overhanging) highway land should be refused automatically.
3.5.4 Revised guidance on the criteria for brown and white tourist signing was issued in 1996 28 .
Applicants requiring highway signs, for sites that meet these criteria, should apply to the appropriate
highway authority.
3.6 Planning conditions
3.6.1 Conditions on a planning permission can enable many development proposals to proceed
where it would otherwise be necessary to refuse planning permission. The proper use of conditions
can improve the quality of development and enhance public confidence in the outputs of the
planning system 29 .
Planning Policy Wales Edition 3 - July 2010 - Chapter 3 Making and Enforcing Planning Decisions
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