Sign of the times? Another council to ban sales and lettings boards

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Epping Forest is the latest council to ban For Sale and To Let boards following a long-running battle with estate agents.

16th Dec 20250 806 1 minute read Simon Cairnes

A consultation has been opened by Epping Forest District Council on plans to stop estate agents from using sales and lettings boards in the St John’s conservation area.

It is hoping to bring in a non-immediate Article 4(1) Direction, which would remove permitted development rights for advertisements and signage.

conservation area

According to the council’s website: “The purpose of introducing this direction is to help preserve the special architectural and historic character of the St John’s conservation area,” it says.

“By requiring planning permission for certain types of alterations, we can ensure that incremental changes do not erode the distinctive appearance and heritage value of the area.”

In recent years, estate agency boards have become a regular flashpoint between councils and estate agents. Local authorities argue that boards create visual clutter, harm the appearance of residential streets and conservation areas, and are too often left in place beyond permitted timeframes or used in non-compliant combinations.

Boards remain an essential marketing tool, particularly for independents who rely on them for visibility and instructions.”

Agents, however, say boards are one of the most effective ways of generating enquiries, and Propertymark has warned that removing them disadvantages consumers and undermines transparency. It says: “Boards remain an essential marketing tool, particularly for independents who rely on them for visibility and instructions.”

The proposal comes as enforcement of the regulations has intensified, with two estate agencies – Staines Seymore Ltd and The Frost Partnership – recently taken to court by Spelthorne Council, where they were fined a combined £15,000 over For Sale board offences.

The council’s consultation closes on 26 December, giving agents until then to submit their views.

Tagsfor sale boards 16th Dec 20250 806 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email