To Let boards control

What we have done

We tried to tackle the issue by introducing a 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:

• Press notice dated 12 July 2018 (PDF, 61.7kb)
• Letter to Secretary of State requesting a Regulation 7 Direction for Durham City Conservation Area (PDF, 33.1kb)
  • Proposals to restrict Letting Boards in areas of high number student properties - Report to Cabinet 7 February 2018 (PDF, 1.6mb)
  • Cabinet agenda and minutes 7 February 2018
  • The Excessive Advertising of Student Accommodation in Durham City - Report to Cabinet 27 July 2015 (PDF, 249.3kb)
  • Letting boards consultation 2017 - results (PDF, 16.7kb)
  • Letting boards consultation 2017 - data (PDF, 62.4kb)
  • Voluntary Code of Practice on Letting Boards in Areas with High Proportions of Shared Housing (PDF, 98.6kb)
• Durham County Councils Statement of Case (PDF, 485.5kb)

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:

• Press notice dated 26 September 2019 (PDF, 102.0kb)
• Inspectors Report (PDF, 1.5mb)
• Decision letter (PDF, 157.2kb)
• Regulation 7 Direction Restricting Deemed Consent (PDF, 87.9kb)
• Area of Control (Durham City Conservation Area) (PDF, 313.9kb)