Saying clients more likely to buy on clean, uncluttered streets
A decision will be made on Hammersmith and Fulham's proposed extension to their ‘for sale’ and ‘to let’ sign ban in the next few weeks paving the way for other local boroughs to follow their example.
The council imposed the ban on the boards in two conservation areas four years ago and is now proposing to extend the ban that stops ‘for sale’ and ‘to let’ signs being put up across more of the borough.
A consultation with residents last year showed that the scheme is widely supported – with 98 per cent of respondents saying they wanted the council to get rid of the signs in a number of areas.
Now that residents have given the thumbs-up, Eric Pickles – the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government – needs to approve the extensions. The council is hoping for a ruling within weeks.
Councillor Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, “Interestingly, most estate agents are also backing the ban as their clients are more likely to buy on clean, uncluttered streets and their competitors are regulated by the same rules they are.”
The rule, known as Regulation 7 under the Town and Country Planning Act, allows councils to ban boards following a consultation with residents and with the consent of the Secretary of State.
According to advertising laws, currently boards can only be displayed where a property is for sale or for rent, and must then be removed within 14 days of the house or flat being sold or let.
However, a number of schools and charities depend on the boards to raise sponsorship money for their organisations.
A member of St Mary's RC Primary School's PTA said, "We rely greatly on the generosity of local estate agents to help us raise vital funds for the school. This type of sponsorship provides an invaluable source of revenue as well as helping us promote our fundraising events."
August 21, 2012