Letting boards on Siward Street |
This coincides with the following petition launched by Hull Road ward councillors:
We, the undersigned, believe that an excessive number of letting boards are damaging the visual environment of the local area and increase the risk of crime against those living there at certain times of the year, particularly in Hull Road ward, and that they are no longer necessary given well-used online alternatives.
We therefore call on the Government to give
City of York Council the power to ban letting boards in locations with an
excessive amount and where there is local support.
Hull Road Cllrs with the petition |
The petition is on-going and the Hull Road ward councillors are collecting signatures for presentation to the council at a later date.
You can sign the petition online via the council's website (log in or registration required)
Coun. Hilary Shepherd said: “The issue of letting
boards in areas near the University is one frequently brought to our attention
as local councillors. Residents feel strongly that they are an eyesore that
reduces pride in the community.
“We also know that students are concerned at
properties that could become a target for crime during University holidays if
they are so openly advertised. With the rise of websites that offer online
advertising, physical letting boards are unnecessary and serve only as a form
of visual ‘one-upmanship’ between individual letting agencies.
“Local authorities can apply to the Government for
permission to introduce special planning controls – including a blanket ban - and
we’re asking the council’s lead planning members to consider this action on
behalf of the city’s residents.”
Out on a cold afternoon collecting signatures... |
The move follows efforts made by Coun. Barnes and
former ward councillor Fiona Fitzpatrick in the last couple of years to gain a
voluntary agreement from leading letting agents to end the use of letting
boards attached to properties. Although some
agents signed up, support was not unanimous - meaning a request for more formal
powers to end the practice is the only alternative option.
What's been done elsewhere?
Leeds obtained a Regulation 7 Direction in 2006 for Headingley.
There have also been recent bans, consultations and incidents involving agents' boards in London, Brighton, Southampton and many other areas of the UK.
Regulation 7 Direction: This removes normal rights to
display boards without express consent, enabling the council to implement a
complete ban enforceable by court action and fines of up to £2,500.