Powers to be exercised in the interests of amenity and public safetyN.I.
3.—(1) A council shall exercise its powers under these Regulations only in the interests of amenity and public safety, taking into account—
(a)the provisions of the local development plan, so far as they are material; and
(b)any other relevant factors.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1)(b)—
(a)factors relevant to amenity include the general characteristics of the locality, including the presence of any feature of historic, archaeological, architectural or cultural interest, disregarding, if it thinks fit, any advertisements being displayed there;
(b)factors relevant to public safety include—
(i)the safety of any person who may use any road, railway, waterway (including coastal waters), docks, harbour or airfield;
(ii)whether any display of advertisements is likely to obscure, or hinder the ready interpretation of any road traffic sign, railway sign, or aid to navigation by water or air.
(3) In determining an application for consent for the display of advertisements, or considering whether to make an order revoking or modifying a consent, the council may have regard to any material change in circumstances likely to occur within the period for which the consent is required or granted.
(4) Unless it appears to the council to be required in the interests of amenity or public safety, an express consent for the display of advertisements shall not contain any limitation or restriction relating to the subject matter, content or design of what is to be displayed.
(5) A consent for the display of advertisements shall take effect as consent for the use of the site for the purposes of the display, whether by the erection of structures or otherwise, and for the benefit of any person interested in the site.