Dorking Business Owners, we know you’re passionate about making your shopfront shine and creating a buzz around town. You’ve got great ideas—from adding a few chairs outside to making your street corner pop—and we’ve been listening to your questions.
We took some of your most commonly asked questions to the experts at Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) to help you navigate the protocols and bring your fantastic ideas to life!
Please note: This article is a guide only, please go to either MVDC or Surrey County Council with specific questions. The info is correct at time of writing (Sept 2025) but legislations and guidance can change. We will endeavour to keep this article up to date but do double check any info before commencing any projects.
1. Thinking About Tables, Chairs & Awnings?
Nothing says “welcome” like a few tables and chairs outside your door. If you’re a cafe, restaurant, or a pub, you’ll need a Pavement Licence from Mole Valley District Council (MVDC).
- The Golden Rule: We all love a clear path! You need to leave a minimum of two metres of clear pavement for people to walk through.
- The Cost: The licence is £500, which works out to less than £1 a day as It lasts for two years, and the renewal fee is £350.
For more information and to apply, visit the MVDC website for Pavement Licences at: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/business-licencing/pavement-licences/.
For awnings and other permanent signage, you may need planning permission, so it’s always best to check in with MVDC first to see what’s required. You can learn about the planning process here: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/planning-building/the-planning-application-process/.
2. What about A-Frames?
You can use an A-board without a licence, as long as you follow Surrey County Council’s specific rules on their size and location. You can find their guidance for placing advertising boards here: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/permits-and-licences/new-and-temporary-signs/guidance-for-placing-advertising, but here is some key information.
Key Rules for A-Boards
- One Board Per Business: Only one advertising board is permitted per business premises.
- Must be Temporary: A-boards must be temporary in nature, easily removable, and not fixed to the ground.
- Remove When Closed: All boards must be removed from the highway when the business premises are closed.
- Owner’s Responsibility: You are responsible for any damage or injury caused by your board.
- No Obstructions: Boards must not obstruct vehicle sight lines or block visibility for any highway users.
- Not Near Street Furniture: A-boards must be located at least 2.0 metres away from any other permanent or temporary sign, post, pillar, or item of street furniture.
- Clearance: There must be at least 2.0 metres of clear pavement space for pedestrians. This increases to 2.5 metres in pedestrianised areas.
- Size Limits:
- Maximum width: 800mm
- Maximum height: 1000mm above ground level
- Design & Safety:
- Boards must be stable and not present a danger to anyone.
- They must be easily detectable by people with impaired vision (e.g., with a solid base that can be detected by a long cane).
- They must not have anything attached to them, such as balloons or flags.
For bigger, more permanent signs, you’ll need to talk to Surrey County Council to get permission: https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/permits-and-licences/new-and-temporary-signs.
3. Your Business & Your Neighbours: A Fair Balance on Noise
We understand your concerns that a resident’s complaint about noise might be given too much weight. The council has assured us they are committed to a fair and balanced approach. They know that a thriving town centre, especially in the evening, comes with a certain buzz, and they work hard to balance that with the needs of all residents.
Every noise complaint is carefully handled on a case-by-case basis, and your business needs are absolutely taken into consideration. It’s a matter of finding a balance that allows businesses to thrive while ensuring a good quality of life for everyone. There are clear policies in place to guide this process, and you can find more information about noise complaints here: https://www.molevalley.gov.uk/environmental-health/noise-complaint/.
4. Signage & Advertising
It’s great that you want to make your business stand out! When it comes to signs, flags, and other displays, the rules are in place to ensure the town remains beautiful and safe for everyone.
The rules can seem a little complicated, but here’s a simple rule of thumb: If it’s for advertising or branding, you’ll likely need permission. The national regulations treat most commercial flags as “advertisements,” which require consent. Items that are non-illuminated and no larger than 0.3 m² (like menu boxes) falls under “deemed consent” (meaning no formal application is needed). If it is illuminated or exceeds those size parameters, then it is likely that formal permission is required.
To make sure you’re on the right track, you can review the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/783/contents/made. A more basic guide is also available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide/flying-flags-a-plain-english-guide.
We hope this helps you feel more confident in your plans. We’re here to help you make Dorking even more wonderful!
