To Let boards control

A Regulation 7 Direction gives control on the number of To Let boards in areas of the city, where there are high numbers of boards on display.

Which streets are affected by the Regulation 7 Direction?

To find out the affected addresses, see the areas linked below:

• Windermere
• Hazel
• Clarendon Park
• Greenhill
• West End
• Ashleigh Road
• West End conservation area.

Why do we want to control the display of boards?

The number of letting boards on residential properties had become excessive in parts of the city during the early 2010s, especially where there were high amounts of rented accommodation. The law [Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007] states that boards are to be removed three weeks after a property has been let, but this requirement was often ignored. Some properties displayed them for long periods of time, and some even had boards up all year round.

We tried to tackle the issue by introducing a voluntary Code of Practice, but this was not successful in reducing the number of boards on display.

After public consultation in 2013, the council applied to the Secretary of State who made a Regulation 7 Direction in 2018 restricting ‘deemed consent rights’ for the display of residential letting boards, which lasted for five years. The Direction was renewed on its expiry in July 2023, after further public consultation. This came into effect on 21 May 2024 and lasts for a further five years.

What does this mean?

Normally, To Let boards benefit from 'deemed consent' rights. However, the Regulation 7 Direction has removed these rights in specified streets.

Do I have to apply for advertisement consent?

In general, yes: advertisement consent is required to display a ‘To Let’ board, which can be done by submitting a planning application. However, to help landlords, we will not ask for planning applications for those boards which follow a Code of Practice. Where applications for advertisement consent are submitted, only those that comply with the Code of Practice will be considered acceptable.

What if I don't apply?

It is a criminal offence to display ‘To Let’ boards without consent.  You may be prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court. The maximum fine on conviction of an offence is currently £2,500, with an additional daily fine of £250 for a continuing offence.

How is the Regulation 7 Direction enforced?

There are surveys in the areas. You can report a breach to our Compliance and Monitoring Team using the details below:

• Online
• telephone: 0116 454 1000
• post: Planning Department, Leicester City Council, City Hall, 115 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ.