Overview
- National coverage on Saturday reminded homeowners that the Town and Country Planning Regulations (2007) limit flags displayed anywhere other than the roof to under two square metres.
- Councils normally act after a complaint by issuing an enforcement notice and only escalate to Magistrates' Court if a household refuses to comply.
- Refusing to remove a non‑compliant flag can lead to a maximum fine of £2,500 and additional daily penalties reported as high as £250 per day until the breach is fixed.
- Flags fixed to the roof are treated differently and may be any size provided they are kept safe and in good condition, and the size rules apply regardless of which country the flag represents.
- Homeowners can avoid enforcement by choosing smaller flags (a standard 5ft by 3ft flag is within the limit), using bunting or window stickers, or keeping decorations inside to prevent neighbour complaints and legal action.