RESIDENTS REACT TO NEWS FLAGS MAY NEED CONSENT

RESIDENTS have been responding to warnings that from the new year, they may need permission to fly certain flags from their own properties.

- By CLAIRE ELLIOTT

Plymouth City Council is planning to introduce a flag-flying policy designed to “celebrate the city’s diversity whilst honouring traditions.”

The policy sets out when and how council landmarks will be lit and flags flown, and establishes a new procedure for public requests to use civic or council-owned flagpoles.

Homeowners wishing to fly a flag not on the council’s approved list will need consent. The approved list includes national flags, the NHS flag, Commonwealth and UN flags, patron saint flags, and His Majesty's forces flags.

Any other flag requires express permission from the local planning authority, which will consider public safety and amenity. Flags flown without consent could face enforcement action.

The draft policy is due for review by the council’s housing and community services scrutiny panel today.