Board ban clears forest of For Sale signs

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
12/07/2007

A clampdown on estate agent boards was launched by Hammersmith and Fulham Council last year following complaints from the public. Six months later, the results from the trial have been released.

Last year, a visit to the 15 streets in the Barons Court and Sinclair Road/Gardens conservation areas would reveal over 300 estate boards on display. In one particular instance, nine boards were being displayed on just one property. A year later, all of the streets are now clean and void of any advertising.

The scheme has been very successful. Both estate agents and residents are in support.

Councillor Nick Botterill, cabinet member for environment, said “H&F Council’s groundbreaking estate agent board management scheme has been a roaring success in the Baron’s Court and Sinclair Road conservation areas. The areas targeted appeared like a whole forest of estate agents signs put up willy nilly and they have since been cut down. 

“Residents have been praising the new ban as it means that their streets have become cleaner and greener. Real estate agents like the new ban as clientele are more likely to buy on clean, uncluttered streets and their competitors are regulated by the same rules they are – so everyone’s on a level playing field.

“The ban is easy to enforce as those living in the street can contact the council if they see a sign and estate agents also report rival signs.

“The six month ban has been so successful there are currently discussions on the next area in need of a facelift.   High density residential areas in the borough are at the top of the list but ideally it would be fantastic if the entire borough could become forest-free.”

H&F Council are looking into a further application to extend the scheme's area but can only do so if a similar area with the same scale of problem can be found.