Issue - meetings

Members gave consideration to a report which provided the Regulatory Committee with an overview of powers in relation to Fly-Posting, in direct response to a motion passed by Full Council on 25 January 2021.

Members were provided with context, noting that there was no formal definition of fly-posting, however, it was generally taken to be the display of advertising material on buildings and street furniture without the consent of the owner, and contrary to the law.  

Section 3 of the report set out the current powers available to the Council to deal with such matters, and Section 4 the evidence of the extent of the issue.

It was noted that since April 2018 there had been 2 reports of fly-posting received, one in Gainsborough East and one in Scotter but also that no proactive work had been undertaken to understand the full scope of the issue across the District in relation to fly-posting on empty commercial units alongside other specific locations.

Finally, the report set out options the Council could consider and a proposal for the way forward given the current evidence and scope of powers available.

Debate ensued and Members felt it important that those known fly posters be engaged with on arrival within the town.   In response to concerns in respect of inappropriate advertising on roundabouts, highways and high risk junctions, Officers outlined where reasonability lay and what actions could be taken, noting permanent signage was covered by planning enforcement legislation.

Advertising was a not a function licensed by West Lindsey and enforcement could not be undertaken on private land. Those bodies letting out private land for a use which could likely generate fly-posting and temporary advertising should be encouraged to address this in any hire agreement. 

Following discussion and having been moved and seconded it was: -

RESOLVED that

a)        the current approach to dealing with fly-posting is sufficient and is reflective of the scale of the issue and the harm it causes;

b)        additional communications be developed to make residents aware of our powers in relation to fly-posting; and 

c)        fly-posting be considered as part of the broader Public Space Protection Order work due to be undertaken for Gainsborough.