04/11/2016
Views Sought Over 'To Let' Signs
Belfast City Council is to start a consultation regarding the control of 'To Let' signs in the city, and whether they should be restricted or banned.
The consultation, which begins on Monday, 07 November, comes after feedback from residents in the Queens, Stranmillis and Holyland areas of the city where they feel that the large number of estate agent signs – and the length of time that they are displayed – have a negative impact on their neighbourhoods.
In response, the Council is now considering applying to the Department for Infrastructure to remove the deemed consent period estate agents can display 'To Let' signs in areas near Queen's University. The signs are controlled by the Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 2015 which contain a number of classes of "deemed consent".
There are two options available which the council could propose to the DfI and it is these where they are encouraging the public to provide feedback.
The first is restricting Letting boards in favour of smaller boards set flush or flat to the building for restricted timeframes; this would reduce the adverse visual effects, but could result in extra costs for estate agents and would need continuing enforcement.
The second option is banning all boards, which would provide an immediate visual improvement to areas, but could mean that letting agents need to rely on alternative advertising.
Councillor Peter Johnston, Chair of Belfast City Council's Planning Committee, said: "We are committed to supporting all sectors of the housing market and understand that property for rent must be advertised. However we are concerned about the adverse effect the large number of 'To Let' boards have on neighbourhoods and are exploring more effective ways of controlling them.
"This is why it is important to hear the public's views on the two proposals which will help us make a decision on which option is preferred and whether we should make an application to the Department for Infrastructure."
Views can be submitted via the council's online survey here from Monday 7 November until Friday 9 December, 2016.
A public engagement event will also be held at City Hall on Tuesdaym 29 November at 5pm.
(JP/LM)
The consultation, which begins on Monday, 07 November, comes after feedback from residents in the Queens, Stranmillis and Holyland areas of the city where they feel that the large number of estate agent signs – and the length of time that they are displayed – have a negative impact on their neighbourhoods.
In response, the Council is now considering applying to the Department for Infrastructure to remove the deemed consent period estate agents can display 'To Let' signs in areas near Queen's University. The signs are controlled by the Planning (Control of Advertisement) Regulations 2015 which contain a number of classes of "deemed consent".
There are two options available which the council could propose to the DfI and it is these where they are encouraging the public to provide feedback.
The first is restricting Letting boards in favour of smaller boards set flush or flat to the building for restricted timeframes; this would reduce the adverse visual effects, but could result in extra costs for estate agents and would need continuing enforcement.
The second option is banning all boards, which would provide an immediate visual improvement to areas, but could mean that letting agents need to rely on alternative advertising.
Councillor Peter Johnston, Chair of Belfast City Council's Planning Committee, said: "We are committed to supporting all sectors of the housing market and understand that property for rent must be advertised. However we are concerned about the adverse effect the large number of 'To Let' boards have on neighbourhoods and are exploring more effective ways of controlling them.
"This is why it is important to hear the public's views on the two proposals which will help us make a decision on which option is preferred and whether we should make an application to the Department for Infrastructure."
Views can be submitted via the council's online survey here from Monday 7 November until Friday 9 December, 2016.
A public engagement event will also be held at City Hall on Tuesdaym 29 November at 5pm.
(JP/LM)
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