Clampdown on boards after code of conduct ‘ignored’ by agents

A local authority in Essex is cracking down on what it claims to be the increase of illegally positioned estate agent boards, and other advertising materials, across a town.

Letting and estate agents are required, under Planning and Highways legislation to place boards only within the boundary of the property and also to remove them within 14 days of a property being sold or let.

In 2019, Harlow council agreed a Code of Conduct with estate agents based in the town to ensure compliance with the regulations. 

However, the council says this has frequently been ignored and the sight of large numbers of boards across Harlow is blighting the environment. 

In June the authority wrote to all agents within the town to inform them that it will be withdrawing from the Code of Conduct. 

Instead the council will now be pursuing a policy of enforcement using the legal tools available to it including the removal of boards and, where appropriate, the use of Fixed Penalty Notices.

Councillor Alastair Gunn, portfolio holder for environment, says: “The growth of illegal advertising boards in the town has become unacceptable and is an issue that residents frequently raise complaints about. We will now take strong action to ensure regulations are complied with. 

“We support the work that local estate agents are doing to drive the local property market and stimulate growth and will work with estate agents who operate within the law. 

“However, we will take action against those who have no respect for the environment and blatantly flout the regulations.”