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Town & Country Planning Act 1990, S.215 - boarded up windows

Submitted by NDunk on 30 May, 2012 - 09:53

Hi all

Just wanting to find out what action (if any) other EPOs/Planning officers are taking when faced with boarded up empties which could be considered to be 'adversely affecting the amenity of the neighbourhood' due to the boarding (rest of property could be ok). I figure the range of options runs from do nothing right through to completely renew the windows/doors with a whole range of options inbetween. Look forward to hearing back from you.

Cheers

Neil

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Sec 215

Submitted by MSmith on 31 May, 2012 - 08:53.

With regard to windows theres two thoughts ..one  asked them to reinstate the windows  by removing the boarding ,regalaze and paint as/if  necessary

I suppose then there is the element that the windows may get broken if the house is stillleft empty but we here in Birmingham have succesfully used Sec 215 for works such as this  and the general appearence of the property and have found once the work is done the owners continue through refurb to bring property back into use .

The one question though is what do you do if the owner doesnt comply ?  Default or presecution ? Again weve gone down the line of default  and at least it gets the work done  which if youre a neighbour it improves the visual aspect of the property.

 

Boarded up windows

Submitted by NDunk on 31 May, 2012 - 11:17.

Hi Matt - thanks for this & your approach is one which I would agree with. Other thoughts welcomed from other EPOs

S215 & boarded windows

Submitted by SLi on 1 June, 2012 - 08:37.

Instead of asking for reglazing, as an alternative we ask that the owner paints the boarding to give the illusion of glazed windows. I have found this works well too and prompts owners to then look at refurbishment. I think often it is more important that the owner knows the property will have our attention until it is brought into use.

 

We find the painting option useful where we know properties are going to form part of a development site and acknowledge this would be a better use of the land.

 

I'm not saying this way is better than the other it is just another option and either may be more appropriate in a given situation