Here we go again - another council is discussing whether to impose a ban on estate agents' boards.
This time it is Southampton, where the Liberal Democrats are putting forward a proposal urging the full council to recognise the concerns of residents in many parts of the city at the forest of to let', for sale' and sold by' boards and posters, left in place for considerable periods of time, which is blighting neighbourhoods.
The party is urging the council to use planning regulations to insist that anyone wanting to erect a board would have to seek specific council consent first. It also wants the city council to adopt a lettings board code, similar to that adopted by Leeds council, which features a list of restrictions and regulations on the use of boards.
Residents' groups have complained to the council about the plethora of boards in areas with large numbers of HMOs.
However the local Savills agent, George Long, says any restriction would make life difficult for sellers and agents. If you are coming out of a recession you need as much interest as you can get in property. If suddenly you're going to take away every for sale sign you're going to severely restrict the housing market he says.
In recent weeks EAT has covered several examples of local authorities considering or actually restricting boards.
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