Filming in East Suffolk: permits and fees
East Suffolk Council manages filming on council land across the district, covering Southwold, Lowestoft, Aldeburgh, and the Suffolk coast — a popular stretch for period and coastal drama.
Who issues permits
East Suffolk Council’s economic development and regeneration team coordinates filming applications for council-managed land, highways, car parks, and public open spaces across the district and former Waveney area. Screen Suffolk provides broad location-finding support and can broker access to privately owned sites.
Process
Contact the council or Screen Suffolk with production details, proposed dates, and a risk assessment. Allow two weeks for standard permits; longer for road closures on the A12 or for filming in Southwold during the summer season. Coastal filming between Aldeburgh and Southwold may require input from the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB team.
Fees
Fees vary by production type and location. The council does not publish a fixed fee schedule for filming — costs are quoted per application. Low-impact shoots (handheld, small crew) are often accommodated at no charge. Contact the team for a bespoke quote.
What’s covered
Council-owned parks, beaches (subject to byelaws), car parks, and public realm in towns including Lowestoft, Southwold, Aldeburgh, and Felixstowe. District council-owned buildings. For filming on National Trust land (Dunwich Heath) or RSPB reserves, separate permissions are required.
Typical restrictions
Summer season (June–September) restrictions on beach filming at Southwold and Aldeburgh. Noise restrictions in residential areas. Road closures on the A12 require Suffolk County Council highways approval. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB has additional planning requirements for commercial filming.
Contact
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- East Suffolk 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 14 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?
- East Suffolk 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 East Suffolk Council's filming page at https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/business/filming-in-east-suffolk/. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.