Lancaster City Council asks residents views on a restriction order on ‘To Let’ Signs.

Lancaster City Council is seeking residents’ views on continuing restrictions on private ‘To Let’ signs in some parts of the city.

Back in September 2021, the council introduced a Regulation 7 Direction under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulation 2007, to address a proliferation of private letting signs that were dominating some streets, particularly in areas such as Bulk, Castle, John O’Gaunt, Marsh, Scotforth East, and Scotforth West.

The direction means signs cannot be put up to show a house or flat is for rent, although it does not apply to commercial “To Let” signs and it does not stop “For Sale” signs.

Since its introduction, the Direction has been effective and there are now far fewer “To Let” signs, although it is due to end in September 2026 - unless it is renewed.

The council plans to renew the Direction to maintain effective management of the issues, but we want to know the public level of support for continuing the control.

Lancaster City Councillor, Sue Tyldesley, cabinet member with responsibility for planning, said: “We would like to hear from all interested parties and stakeholders for their comments and representations, which we will consider before determining whether to renew the Direction. 

“If the council chooses to renew, we will submit the application, including the public views, to the Government and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government will then decide whether the Regulation 7 Direction is appropriate to be renewed.”

Have your say by emailing your comments to planningpolicy@lancaster.gov.uk

Post your comments to: Planning & Housing Strategy Team, Lancaster City Council, PO Box 4, Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ.

Last updated: 11 November 2025