Wednesday, 25 April 2012

‘For Sale’ boards banned for the next 10 years

In some areas of London attractive, historic streets used to be littered with ‘For Sale’ and ‘To Let’ boards. This relatively unregulated advertising was particularly unwelcome in conservation areas.

 In order to tackle the problem, Hammersmith and Fulham Council introduced new regulations covering selected conservation areas. Within these areas it became necessary for agents to apply for prior written consent before displaying a board.
Baron's Court Station in Baron's Court conservation area, Hammersmith and Fulham, London
Baron's Court Station in Baron's Court conservation area, Hammersmith and Fulham, London
CC Image courtesy of 70023venus2009 on Flickr
During the first 12 months the Council brought 19 prosecutions against agents who flouted the new regulations. The Council won every case and agents were fined between £100 and £3,500. A further 15 cases are pending.

Following a successful trial period, the regulations have now been extended to cover a wider number of areas for the next 10 years.

Consultation has shown that 98% of residents approve of the new measures.

Cllr Botterill said: “Thankfully, the vast majority of agents are respecting the ban and, while the local property market remains strong, the reward is that our historic conservation areas retain their charm and elegance rather than resembling some kind of gaudy high street.”

Conservation Areas on FINDmaps.co.uk 
At FIND we’ve mapped the conservation areas within the majority of UK local authorities. Quickly viewing this information online could help to save you time, trouble and expense.

FIND offers conservation areas to view and print over ordnance survey maps. Tell me more

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Adding online maps and annotation tools to Hometrack’s SiteMAP

FIND is now providing mapping capabilities to Hometrack’s SiteMAP, a web-based information platform designed specifically for house builders and developers.

FIND have integrating a suite of new mapping tools into SiteMAP for  clients to use.

OS MasterMap annotation tool on SiteMap
OS MasterMap annotation tool on SiteMap
The benefits of FIND’s addition to SiteMAP couldn’t be simpler - once an area has been defined, the maps can be downloaded within minutes. These can then play a critical role in a developer’s site analysis and decision making.

The new mapping functionality on SiteMAP includes:
  • Viewing and printing of OS MasterMap 
  • Performing site investigations and producing planning application maps 
  • Viewing and printing of geology and flood risk maps 
  • Advanced map drawing  tools 
Stewart McRae of Hometrack comments, “The addition of FIND’s offering to SiteMAP provides all the essential information a developer needs prior to acquiring land.”

If you would like to discuss adding mapping tools into your site please contact: consultancy@findmaps.co.uk