Too many 'to let' signs? Consultation on Durham sign restrictions opened by council

Durham residents and businesses are being urged to voice their views on the continuation of restrictions on 'to let' signs in Durham City.

Durham County Council had introduced the restrictions in October 2019 after lobbying the Secretary of State for a Regulation 7 Direction.

This directive mandates that advertisers submit an application to the council for approval if they wish to display letting boards in the Durham City Conservation Area.

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Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning development manager said: "We introduced the existing controls in response to concerns from residents and businesses over the excessive number of letting boards and the negative visual impact this was having on the historic heart of Durham City.

"The controls have been a success – we receive far fewer complaints than we did prior to their introduction, and there’s been a marked visual improvement in the residential streets within the Conservation Area."

The consultation will run until 5pm on July 22 and residents can have their say by emailing planning@durham.gov.uk (using the reference REG7 in the subject) or writing to Planning, PO Box 274, Durham County Council, Stanley, County Durham, DH8 1HG.