Purpose

A Regulation 7 Direction will remove deemed
consent for display of Estate Agents’ Boards thereby
protecting the visual amenity and character of the city. The
current Direction is due to expire in May 2025.

Decision

Summary of Decision: The Cabinet Member
for Planning and Economic Development has taken the decision to
approve consultation of, and subsequent application to the
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
for a Regulation 7 Direction. The Direction would remove deemed
consent for the display of estate agents’ boards in the whole
of the city indefinitely, and if this is not acceptable, the
renewal of the existing Direction and expansion to cover all
conservation areas, pursuant to regulation 7(5)(c). 
 
Reason for Decision: There is an
existing Regulation 7 Direction which expires in May 2025. This has
been an effective tool in managing the proliferation of estate
agents’ boards in identified conservation areas. The current
Direction covers several but not all conservation areas, and some
areas immediately adjacent them. As a minimum, continued coverage
of these areas, plus expansion to apply to all conservation areas
in the city is necessary so their character can continue to be
conserved and enhanced. City-wide coverage is also now sought to
enable a more equitable approach to the management and protection
of the character of the physical environment in line with the
objectives of a Fairer Westminster.