Filming in Coventry: permits and fees
Coventry offers distinctive post-war modernist architecture and wide public squares, managed through the council's filming service.
Who issues permits
Coventry’s filming team handles public street and council land applications. Coventry Cathedral is managed by the Cathedral and requires its own permission.
Process
Apply to Coventry’s filming service. Standard five working days for permits. The city centre ring road creates access constraints — discuss early with the council.
Fees
Competitive Midlands rates. Commercial permit admin fees apply. Cathedral filming fees are set separately.
What’s covered
City centre streets and the pedestrianised Broadgate, council parks including the War Memorial Park, civic buildings including the Council House. Coventry Cathedral — both modern and ruined shell — requires Cathedral permission separately.
Typical restrictions
The ring road limits drive-on access to the city centre — large vehicle productions must plan carefully. Coventry and Warwick university campuses manage their own locations independently.
Contact
- Email: filming@coventry.gov.uk
- Web: coventry.gov.uk/filming
Apply on the Coventry City Council website → coventry.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Coventry City Council issues filming permits for its area. Applications go through the council's filming / events team — not the local parks department or police, although those may also be consulted.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 5 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
- What's the typical cost?
- Coventry City Council quotes filming fees case-by-case based on scale, duration, and public-realm impact. Small documentary crews are often charged an admin fee only; feature-film shoots involving road closures cost meaningfully more.
- What does this permit cover?
- The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
- How do I apply?
- Apply via Coventry City Council's filming page at https://www.coventry.gov.uk/filming. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.