Nottingham City Council has submitted a formal proposal to the Secretary of State seeking to restrict the display of letting boards in selected areas of the city. These areas have a high concentration of student accommodation and other Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
The proposal follows a detailed public consultation held earlier this year and long-standing concerns from residents and community groups about the impact of letting boards on the visual environment, particularly in neighbourhoods with high concentrations of rented accommodation. If approved, it would mean that boards could no longer be displayed without consent from the council.
A decision from the Secretary of State has been requested by the end of the year. In the meantime, landlords and letting agents operating in these areas are encouraged to explore alternative advertising methods, including online and complying with the letting boards guidance, as well as staying informed about the proposed changes.
Councillor Jay Hayes, Executive Member for Housing and Planning said: “This proposal is a response to the clear feedback we’ve received from local communities. Letting boards have become a persistent issue in some areas, and we believe this measure will help protect the character of our neighbourhoods while encouraging more sustainable and modern approaches to property marketing. The Regulation 7 Direction would give the council greater powers to take enforcement action where boards are displayed unlawfully.”
Further details and updates are provided on the letting boards web page and here is the map of the proposed restriction areas.
