Council gets tough on To Let Boards (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

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

Council gets tough on To Let Boards

March 10, 2006 4:26 PM

Leeds City Council is pursuing enforcement action on 66 breaches of the code of conduct which restricts the use of To Let Boards in the Headingley area. Rogue landlords could face prosecution in the Magistrates Court and a maximum fine of £1000 if convicted.

Councillor Martin Hamilton (Lib Dem, Headingley) said "The restrictions on the use of To Let Boards in Headingley have largely been a success, so it is a pity that the majority of responsible landlords are being let down by a small minority."

Councillor Hamilton added "I am clear that any breaches must be stamped on if the scheme is to be a success, and I am delighted that the Council is taking such firm action."

Notes to Editors

The Council has the power to effectively ban the use of all To Let Boards, but the Planning Inspector indicated that he wished to see a code of conduct restricting their use to be introduced as a first step, with powers to force a complete ban used if the code of conduct proved unsuccessful.

The code of conduct, which came into full force on march 1st 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 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.