Westminster council must outline how their proposals on property boards will not hinder market
Westminster City Council must explain how their proposals to renew the existing Regulation 7 Direction and expand it to the whole borough will not hinder the sales and lettings markets, Propertymark argues.
At present, some areas of Westminster are subject to a Regulation 7 Direction, which means consent from the Council is needed to display estate agents’ boards.
If this is not achievable, Westminster Council suggests it will push for enlargement of the current Direction to capture every conservation area not covered right now.
Westminster City Council has said that the existing Regulation 7 Direction is a crucial tool in guarding the character of Westminster’s neighbourhoods from unnecessary street clutter. Despite this, it expires in May 2025.
The area covered by the current Direction also leaves many parts of the city vulnerable to the installation of these boards without the necessary approval from the Council.
Although Propertymark backs the proposed scheme, the professional body stressed that its registered members that trade within Westminster City Council should be safeguarded from needing permissions.
This is because Propertymark members already operate at the highest standards and the professional body works closely with its members to issue professional standards via regulation, accredited and respected qualifications, an industry leading training programme and compulsory Continuing Professional Development.
Also, Propertymark issues guidance for its members on the appropriate use and regulations in using boards.
But the professional body also highlighted that this could be a chance for them to collaborate with Westminster City Council and Propertymark members operating within the area. This could enhance information sharing and market insight between all parties, and lead to them sharing best practice and improving standards across the board.
Regulation could be improved through information sharing and standards could be enhanced too.
Tim Thomas, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Propertymark, said:
“We recognise that poor upkeep and failure to remove for sale and to let boards can be a problem, especially in areas like Westminster that have unique characteristics and conservation areas. However, Propertymark members have been supported with appropriate usage through guides and best practice.
“Despite the growth of online sales and letting platforms, boards remain an important marketing tool for property agents. Crucially, going forward Westminster Council must explain how their proposals will not slow down the sales and lettings markets and be to the detriment of homebuyers and the local economy. That is why we are calling for Westminster to work with our members to drive standards up, through education, communication and collaboration.”
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