Agents' Board Ban Set to Spread across Borough

Hammersmith and Olympia among proposed new areas

A successful ban on estate agents' For Sale signs in two conservation areas could be extended to four more zones later this year.

H&F Council imposed the ban on boards in the Barons Court and Sinclair Road conservation areas four years ago and is now proposing to extend the ban across more of the borough.

A consultation with residents last year showed that the scheme is widely supported - with 98% of respondents saying they wanted the council to get rid of the signs in Walham Green, Parsons Green and Moore Park in Fulham plus Hammersmith Grove, Olympia and Avonmore, Gunter Estate.

The extensions now have to be approved by Eric Pickles, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The council is hoping for a ruling within weeks.

Councillor Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: " Before the ban the two areas were swamped with a forest of for sale signs that have now been successfully cut down.

"Interestingly, most estate agents are also backing the ban as their clients are more likely to buy on clean, uncluttered streets and their competitors are regulated by the same rules they are."

The rule, known as Regulation 7 under the Town and Country Planning Act, allows councils to ban boards following a consultation with residents and with the consent of the Secretary of State.

According to strict advertising laws, currently boards can only be displayed where a property is for sale or for rent, and must then be removed within 14 days of the house or flat being sold or let.

If you would like to report an illegal board email boards@lbhf.gov.uk.