Tourism sign policy

3.1 The applicant must show that:

• a significant number of visitors to the establishment (it is suggested at least 40%) are from outside the area (more than 15 miles away)
• there is a need for signs to enable visitors to find the establishment
• the establishment is of significant value to the local tourist market

If it is uncertain whether these conditions are met, the owner of the establishment must carry out a survey of users to determine what proportion of visitors are coming from outside the 15-mile area and what problems are encountered in finding the site.

3.2 There must be sufficient on-site parking space to accommodate the number of visitors anticipated.

3.3 The establishment must be open to people making impulse visits within normal opening hours. Tourist signs will not be provided where admittance is by prior arrangement only. In the case of sports facilities, there must be minimal restrictions on visitor and non-member use.

3.4 Customer facilities must be adequate for the size, location and type of operation. A public toilet must be available.

3.5 The establishment must be open on at least 150 days a year for at least four hours each day.

3.6 The business must have planning permission and be licensed where appropriate.

3.7 The establishment must comply with prevailing Tourist Board standards such as the National Code of Practice for Visitor Attractions.

3.8 Signs will not be agreed where an establishment already has off-site advertisement signs (with or without planning permission) other than at the entrance to the establishment. You must also agree not to erect any such signs whilst tourist signs are in place. If this happens the County Council reserves the right to remove the tourist signs without compensation to the attraction operator.

3.9 Hotels must be classified by Visit England. Hotels located in service areas will not qualify for tourist signs if the bed symbol already appears on a ‘Services’ sign.

3.10 Self-catering accommodation, such as cottages/holiday flats, must have a minimum of 10 units on the site.

3.11 Camping/caravan sites:

• must be licensed under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 or the Public Health Act 1936 or any updated relevant Regulations, Guidance or local requirements in operation at the time of application.
• have a minimum of 20 pitches available for casual overnight use.

3.12 Public houses:

• which do not serve meals will not be eligible for tourist signs
• which do serve meals must:

i. be registered with the local Borough or District Council under the Food Safety Act 1990

ii. serve meals at lunchtimes and in the evenings without the need to pre-book

iii. allow families with children to use the facilities

iv. fulfil the criteria in Section 3 above.

3.13 Restaurants and cafes must:

• be registered with the local Borough or District Council under the Food Safety Act 1990
• be open to diners without the need to pre-book
• fulfil the criteria in Section 3 above.

Mobile snack bars will not be signed.

Premises attached to petrol filling stations do not qualify for tourist signs but may be eligible, together with the petrol filling station, for 'Services' signs. In such cases, motorists must be allowed to use public toilets without the need to purchase anything.