"To Let restrictions making a difference but all must comply" says Headingley Councillor (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

"To Let restrictions making a difference but all must comply" says Headingley Councillor

January 19, 2006 12:00 AM

Councillor Martin Hamilton by one of the many 'To Let' signs

The recently introduced To Let Board restrictions in Headingley are already having a positive effect. Many agents have already switched to the new smaller boards in advance of the March 1st deadline , and many others are ensuring that the existing boards are placed flush with the property until the boards are replaced.

Residents have commented on how much neater the area looks in what is the peak of the letting season. However, it is clear that some landlords are either unaware of the Letting Board code or are choosing to ignore it.

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) says "I would appeal to all property owners, landlords and agents with property interests in Headingley to comply with this code of conduct without further delay."

Councillor Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) adds "If non-compliance becomes an issue, the Council can choose to require a planning permission to be submitted in respect of each To Let Board which does not comply with the code."

Notes to Editors

The To Let Board restrictions cover much of Headingley. The code of conduct is as follows:

1. Only one board per building will be permitted.

2. Each board will conform to the following layout: 34cm x 48cm or 48cm x 34cm.

3. The board shall be mounted flush to the wall above the front door, or if that is not possible, it shall be mounted flush to the wall on the street frontage elevation. In either instance, no part of the board shall be higher than 3.6 metres above ground level

4. The board shall have a white background with black text. Up to 20% of the board may be occupied by a logo (which may be in colour).

5. One board shall be permitted per agent, per type of property, per street. An agent shall have no more than 3 boards in a street at any one time.

6. There shall be no 'Let By' signs.

7. To Let' boards shall be removed not later than 14 days of the granting of a tenancy for the room, house or flat in question.

8. All 'To Let' boards shall be removed by 1st November each year with no new boards being erected until 1st December.

The code came into force on 1st January; although but points 2 and 4 will come into force on 1st March 2006.

Further details are available from the Community Planning Officer, ring 247 8027, or email Andrew.Crates@leeds.gov.uk

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.