For Sale & To Let Boards on a Local Authority’s Agenda
An Essex local authority is looking to ban “for sale” signs in one of its heritage spots to protect its historic character.
Epping Forest district council is consulting over plans to stop estate agents from using signs in properties within St John’s conservation area without having to get planning permission.
The Conservative-led council will seek views from residents about bringing in an article 4 direction, which will remove the automatic permitted development rights that give homeowners and estate agents permission to put up signs in the area.
Epping has become the latest council to fight estate agents’ boards. Westminster city council applied to the planning inspectorate for a ban in February, claiming that they cause “substantial harm to the local character” but has not yet had a decision.
Westminster council already have rules that mean that estate agents have to seek planning permission for signs in certain conservation areas, but it is now looking to extend this across the borough.
DPS Presents an Overview of The Renters’ Rights Act 2025
The Renters' Rights Act, the biggest single piece of legislative change to impact the Private Rented Sector in many years, comes into effect from 1 May 2026.
Time is of the Essence
The phrase “time is of the essence” is familiar in the English language and most definitely to to the legal profession. Created under English common law where a contract specified a completion date or performance deadline, the premise exists today.
By the 19th Century there were 3 key principles:
Time would be essential if stated in a contract
Time sensitivity would be implied
Time sensitivity would required by serving reasonable notice
Reflect, Review and Prepare
As phase 1 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 approaches in 2026, the last 12 months have been defined by evolving change.
The last 14 months have shown the sector is no longer simply about providing property, accountability, resilience, strategic planning and the ability to adapt will take centre stage. and letting agents, landlords, solicitors, suppliers and other stakeholders who have embraced these changes are moving forward with confidence.
A Landscape Defined by Reform
Regulatory change is reshaping the private rented sector, with emphasis on property standards, compliance, licensing, transparency and more protection for tenants. Expectations are higher and local authorities have been given enforcement powers the industry has never expreienced before .