Estate agent prosecuted over illegal advertising boards

The defendant SureLet, based at 5 Marlowes in Hemel Hempstead, pleaded guilty at Watford Magistrates court on Friday, September 18 to two offences of placing unlawful boards.

The boards were put up at the entrance to Valley Green and on a grass verge on Redbourn Road – both in Hemel Hempstead – and were not displayed on land or property for sale, so it was not apparent to which property the board related.

SureLet was issued a £700 fine and ordered to pay the council’s costs of £325.50, plus a victim surcharge of £40.

The prosecution comes after Dacorum Borough Council previously warned the company about unlawful boards, resulting in a formal caution for similar offences earlier this year.

Cllr Graham Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration said, “Unlawfully sited estate agents’ boards are misleading, unsightly and can be visually distracting to motorists.

“As the local planning authority we must ensure that the regulations in place to maintain our borough are followed. “We will take appropriate action against illegal advertising, including prosecuting those who unlawfully site advertising boards and compromise the appearance of our borough.”

To find out if council consent is needed for a particular sign or banner, email [email protected] or call 01442 228000.