Lancaster City Council has received Government backing to restrict ‘To Let’ signs in parts of the city from September 1.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has approved the introduction of a Regulation 7 direction, meaning that the display of the boards will no longer be permitted.
It’s in response to the growing number and concentration of the signs in parts of Lancaster, creating unnecessary clutter and spoiling the character of the city’s terraced and historic streets.
The controls will cover the city council wards of Bulk, Castle, John O’Gaunt, Marsh, Scotforth East and Scotforth West.
Councillor Gina Dowding, cabinet member with responsibility for strategic planning and place making, said: “We’re very pleased to have been granted these additional powers and be able to restrict To Let signs in certain parts of Lancaster.
“In an increasingly online world, the value of having physical boards is reducing in any event, so their removal shouldn’t impact on the ability of landlords being able to let their properties.
“The new regulations will reduce unnecessary clutter on our streets and improve the visual amenity of the areas that they cover.
“The city council has written to estate and letting agents to make them aware of the new regulations so they have plenty of time to get their procedures in order, so hopefully there will be no need for the council to take enforcement action.
“Once the new controls are officially in place we’ll be undertaking a survey to see how many remain and taking action where appropriate.”
To Let signs usually benefit from deemed advertisement consent and do not require permission from the council to be displayed on a property. The introduction of the Regulation 7 Direction removes this consent for residential properties.
Where a sign is displayed without consent, the council can prosecute in the Magistrates Court. The fine on conviction can be up to £2,500 with an additional daily fine for a continuing offence.
More information, including a copy of the Secretary of State’s decision, report, the Regulation 7 direction and map can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/regulation7.
Anyone with questions about the introduction of the new controls should email planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582383 for advice and support.
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
