Timescales, permits and licenses
We recognise that no two film productions are the same, and the requirements can vary hugely. Please see below information on the minimum timescales we require in order to process your filming.
These notice periods are presented as well as the timescales for any additional permits, such as a road closure order or street furniture removals.
Please check you have enough time for the filming application as well as sufficient time to apply for any permits or licenses you require.
Our team collaborates across the council to facilitate filming; the timescales below are based on the internal processes of the wider council services.
We also offer a pre-application consultation service. This can help you to identify opportunities and costs to help you with your decision-making ahead of a full application. The pre-application consultation needs to take place 10 to 15 working days before existing timescales are triggered.
When you need permission and minimum notice periods
| Application type | Description of filming | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic filming application |
Simple filming. Tripod and/or handheld lights. Cast and crew of no more than 7 people. |
3 working days |
|
Basic filming and parking application |
Simple filming. Tripod and/or handheld lights. Cast and crew of no more than 10 people. Parking bay suspensions for simple or unit bases. |
10 working days |
|
Standard filming application |
On-street or park-based filming. Low impact to the public highway. Low-impact drone flight. Cast and crew over 10 people. No traffic management. |
15 working days, 3 weeks |
|
Medium filming application |
On-street or park-based filming. Some impact to the public highway. Drone flight. Cast and crew of over 50 people. Traffic management. Impact on neighbouring businesses and residents. Complex parking plans for multiple vehicles. |
20 to 30 working days, 4 to 6 weeks |
|
Night filming application |
Filming of any kind between the hours of 9pm and 7am. |
30 to 40 working days, 6 to 8 weeks |
|
Major filming application |
On-street or park-based filming. High impact to the public highway. Complex lighting/camera positions. Cast and crew of more than 70. Road closures, traffic management. Impact to neighbouring businesses and residents. Complex parking plans for multiple vehicles. |
12 to 16 weeks, 3 to 4 months |
Other council services timescales
| Council service | Price | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
|
Parking bay suspensions |
From £51 per bay |
10 working days |
|
Crane operations (crane, scissor lift, genie boom, cherry picker) |
Minor Road, Major Road, £741.54 |
15 working days |
|
Temporary structure licenses |
From £175 or from £400 |
20 working days |
|
Environmental Health requirements (pyrotechnics, special effects, and so on) |
Not applicable |
20 working days |
|
Use of council-owned park or garden |
|
20 working days |
|
Lighting or street furniture request |
Quote provided upon request |
6 to 8 weeks |
|
Road closure |
£1,108.88 |
3 months |
Temporary structures on public or private land
This could include marquees over 6m, stages and large platforms, stand-alone screens, lighting towers, cable bridges, scaffolding, and so on.
The licence required for this will depend on the type and size of the structure. Please ask your assigned officer for a temporary structure licence application form. You will need to submit it to the Building Control team at [email protected]
The team may need to visit your filming area to sign off your structure(s).
You will need to give a minimum of three weeks’ notice.
Removal of street furniture or sign feasibility
Please let your assigned officer know if your filming requires the removal of Westminster-managed street furniture and/or the presence of a Highways Street Lighting Engineer. Your officer will provide you with a form that will allow a quote to be given.
Street furniture related to the operation of a live road cannot be removed without a road closure. The council does not manage all street furniture.
You will need to give a minimum of eight to 12 weeks’ notice.