Coronation killjoy councils require approval to erect buntings

Tens of millions of Britons have been told by the council that they need permission to fly bunting at coronation street parties, it turned out.

One in five people in England have been told they are “illegal” to put up mini-flags unless they have completed multi-page application forms and risk assessments and obtained written approval from their council.

Bunting application deadlines closed as early as February 2023, sparking fears that some may not have been aware and could miss out.

It comes before revelers across the country who are encouraged to participate in the Big lunch at the coronation by holding festivities in their streets over the bank holiday weekend to celebrate King Charles III.

Councils said strict rules were in place as people could be injured when the flags were put up and the buntings could be disturbed by passing vehicles.

Major councils with outright bans on bunting on roadsides without permission include Surrey, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Bradford, Calderdale, West Yorks and Barnet in London.

‘Running on the highway is prohibited’

Bradford City Council said: “It is unlawful to erect bunting over, alongside or on a motorway without first obtaining the appropriate consent of the council.”

Dorset said: “An application for bunting, banners and decorative flags to be placed on the road should be submitted at least three months before the intended installation.”