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An 11th local authority is seeking special powers from central government to control, or possibly ban, the display of agents' board in specific areas.

This time it is Newcastle, where the council is specifically focussing on To Let boards.

Back in June 2013 the council prepared a hefty 83-page report to help in its submission to the DCLG for Regulation 7 Direction powers.

The key paragraph reads: The reason for seeking a Direction is that the numbers of To Let boards have become excessive in parts of the City where there are high concentrations of rented accommodation and this is having a negative impact on the visual amenity in these neighbourhoods. Local residents (families and those occupying the rented properties) are concerned that the quality of the residential environment is deteriorating as a result of the boards and this is impacting on the housing market.

Newcastle is still awaiting the DCLG's decision; if the powers are granted, it will join Hastings, Leeds, Brighton & Hove, Loughborough, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, Nottingham and Preston local authorities which have all, at different times over four and a half years, been granted Regulation 7 Direction powers.

The arguments are familiar and have been aired extensively on LAT and EAT.

Local authorities with high concentrations of privately rented houses and apartments, especially in areas of student accommodation, have been amongst the most enthusiastic in calling for restrictions and bans.

In recent months a Brighton estate agent has been fined £1,000 for erecting a For Sale board erected in a prohibited conservation area. In London, a Hammersmith and Fulham agent was fined over £5,000 for two similar offences.

Comments

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    Letting boards are an eyesore in our street in Jesmond Newcastle upon Tyne. Some houses have as many as four. They are left up all year even though properties are fully let. It is irresponsible agents and landlords who have caused this problem and need to be taken to task. Most of the landlords in our area take no responsibility for their properties and allow them to become untidy hovels. They are a curse to society.

    • 06 June 2014 21:06 PM
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    Please also ban billboards, signs and any other marketing materiel...

    • 24 April 2014 10:32 AM
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