Plans to ban estate agents boards from large areas of Brighton and Hove have been dealt a blow this week.
Brighton and Hove City Council wanted to impose a control order covering the central conservation areas from Kemp Town to Sackville Road, Hove, and Hove Street.
But after representations from the local estate agents association (Brighton and Hove Estate Agents Association),the Secretary of State says it intends to exclude a significant part of the proposed area.
Brighton and Hove Council said the areas which will now not be included are “that part of the Valley Gardens Conservation Area south of St Peters Place, large parts of the Regency Square Conservation Area and all of the Hove Station, Old Hove and Old Town Conservation Areas.”
It added: “However, Kemp Town, East Cliff, College, North Laine, West Hill, Montpelier & Clifton Hill, Brunswick Town, The Avenues, Cliftonville, Denmark Villas, The Drive and Willett Estate Conservation Areas look set to be included in their entirety, and also that part of the Valley Gardens conservation area around the Level and north of St Peter’s Church.”
Before any proposal can take effect there is a chance for further representation on the proposed modifications, to be received by the Secretary of State no later than June 11.
The council added it will be making further representation and is currently notifying ward councillors and inviting comment from those affected by the modification.
Brunswick councillor Paul Elgood, whose ward is covered by the new proposed boundaries, welcomed the movement on the ban.
He said on his blog: “It has been a long struggle to get our area wholly covered by the control order The original control has been so successful in areas such as Brunswick Square. Let’s hope this is the final hurdle.”
It’s a shame as estate agents are local businesses trying to survive against big chain competitors. banning boards takes away a huge amount of exposure smaller companies generate through sale signs. In some areas this may be good to do, but surely its not good making it so widespread?!