A Norwich hospital will be able to fly a flag outside, after securing permission to show some patriotism.
Julian Hospital in Bowthorpe Road submitted the application to fly the St George's Cross on patron saint days and other related occasions in August after it was told it would require Norwich City Council's approval to erect a flagpole.
The council's planning committee swiftly approved the application but told the hospital its flagpole must not endanger people using the nearby road.
The council also told the hospital chiefs that its flag and accompanying pole must not hinder the interpretation of traffic signs.
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It also told Julian Hospital, which is an NHS mental health unit, that its 3.2ft by 6.5ft England flag must not hinder security or speed monitoring devices.
Following the approval, the flag will be able to fly from a 26ft pole when the hospital deems it necessary.
The reason for the unusual planning battle is that under UK law all flagpoles taller than 15ft must undergo inspection by the local planning authority.
In July 2021, the government even published a guide to how people can fly flags from their property without attracting the attention of council officials.
In the guide, named 'Flying Flags, a plain English guide', the government says it is keen to see more flags flown across the county, particularly the Union Flag.
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It says that flags are treated as adverts under planning law to ensure they do not impact views or safety.
Rules say that any national flag can be flown as long as it is not taller than the specified height along with regional flags, those of the armed forces and the Armed Forces Day flag.
The flag of the European Union also used to be able to be flown without requiring planning permission but following Brexit this has been taken off the list.
All other flags would require some form of prior permission before being flown.
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