It is important to establish before submission of a planning application what street furniture is proposed within areas that are intended to be adopted within publicly maintained highway, and who would be responsible for its future maintenance and replacement. This should be included as part of a concept proposal for the proposed development. (Please see Highway Development Management ‘Preparing Development Proposals’).
Accessibility requirements and avoiding street clutter
RNIB’s “Key Principles of Inclusive Street Design” reinforces the requirement to minimise clutter within highway. Design must consider the navigation of highway by people with visual impairments, including:
- Provision of a 2m clear path between obstructions;
- Any obstructions, particularly to the building line or kerbs, should be minimised;
- location of any street furniture should also be consistent;
- Avoiding using street furniture that have sharp edges or irregular shapes;
- Use of contrasting colours or materials where appropriate.

Figure 56: Poorly located bench on an otherwise well designed pedestrian route
Adoption of street furniture and street art
Table 43 sets out details of who would normally accept future responsibility and whether a commuted sum is payable. It must be confirmed that agreement has been reached with the organisations concerned before proposals can be agreed with the council.
Asset | Organisation normally responsible for future maintenance | Commuted sums payable? | Formal agreement required between responsible body and the council (licence or permit) |
---|---|---|---|
Safety bollards | HA | Yes | N/A |
Decorative bollards | Under License | No | Yes |
Knee-rail fencing | HA | Yes | N/A |
Seats | TC/PC(a) | N/A | Yes |
Cycle stands | HA | No | N/A |
Bus-stop poles and flags | HA | No | N/A |
Bus shelters | TC/PC(b); D or BC/HA(c)(d) | Yes | Yes |
Bus gates | HA | Yes | N/A |
Planters and raised beds | TC/PC | D or BC(b)/HA(c) | Yes |
Tree grills | HA | Yes | N/A |
Street art | TC/PC | N/A | Yes |
Village and town features | TC/PC | N/A | Yes |
Memorials and commemorative items | TC/PC | N/A | Yes |
‘Heritage’ direction signs | HA | Yes | N/A |
Flagpoles and similar structures | TC/PC | N/A | Yes |
Information boards | Depends on information | If HA responsible | Yes |
Litter bins | D or BC | N/A | Yes |
Dog-litter bins | D or BC | N/A | Yes |
Where there is no town or parish council, responsibility will generally pass to the district or borough council or an alternative organisation who may accept responsibility.
Please contact the relevant highway authority to discuss their requirements for undertaking responsibility for future maintenance. For example, the council will generally only assume responsibility for bus shelters if they are provided on a County Council 'route development' route.