Restrictions on lettings boards advertisements in Durham City will come into force next month.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has endorsed Durham County Council’s proposal to restrict and control the display of To Let boards, within the Durham City Conservation Area.
Advertisers will now be required to submit an application to the council for consent if they wish to erect lettings boards in the area.
The regulation will come into force on Thursday, 17 October and will last for five years.
Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning development manager, said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State has endorsed our proposals to introduce this measure to further improve the city’s environment.
“Members of the public and businesses had raised significant concerns regarding the visual and environmental impact of lettings boards on the historic heart of Durham City. Now these new control powers are going to improve the visual amenity of the area.
“We will be working closely with landlords to ensure the rules are adhered to.”
The council had previously implemented a voluntary code for advertisers, which asked letting agents and landlords to control the display of lettings boards and limit the number of them.
However, it became clear that the voluntary approach was not working, and a more formal method was needed.
The proposals were strongly supported when the local authority consulted on the proposals in 2017.
The maps defining the areas subject to the restrictions are available for inspection at County Hall from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and will be available soon on the council’s website at www.durham.gov.uk
