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To Let boards control


The number of letting boards on residential properties has become excessive in parts of the city, especially where there are high numbers of rented accommodation. This has a negative visual impact and residents of Durham have long raised this as a concern.

What we have done

We tried to tackle the issue by introducing a Icon for pdf Voluntary Code of Practice on Letting Boards in Areas with High Proportions of Shared Housing (PDF, 98.6kb) , but this was with limited success in reducing the number of boards on display.

Submission of Application for Regulation Direction

Following a public consultation, we have submitted an application to the Secretary of State for a Regulation 7 Direction which would give control on the number of To Let Boards on display in the conservation area of the city.

The details of the submission can be found below:

Outcome

Following a Hearing held on 21 May 2019, the Inspector recommended that the proposed direction be made with regard to the whole of the Durham City Conservation Area. Subsequently the Secretary of State was satisfied that the Direction should be made for a period of 5 years. Accordingly we are now undertaking further statutory notification that the direction will come into force from 17 October 2019.

This means that from 17 October 2019 the display of boards in respect of the letting of premises within the Durham City Conservation Area, will only be lawful if we have granted express consent for their display.

Additional documents:

Contact us
Planning
03000 262 830
Our address is:
  • County Hall
  • Durham
  • County Durham
  • United Kingdom
  • DH1 5UL