Private landlords in a popular Sussex seaside resort are being ordered to spend cash on renovating the outsides of their properties as the local council go on a summer “spring clean”.
Owners of properties in the most popular retail and shopping areas of Brighton and Hove have been told in no uncertain terms by their local council they must improve the look of their building’s façade or face court proceedings. Dozens of owners, many with an interest in landlord insurance, have been contacted by the council and told to carry out repair work.
Chairman of Brighton’s planning committee, Christopher Hawtree, was unrepentant about the notices, saying “Brighton and Hove is a popular shopping destination and Western Road is one of our key retail areas. In order to continue to attract business and enhance the shopping experience it is highly important the buildings in the area look well maintained. When properties fall into disrepair, it negatively affects the whole area for those who live and visit. But it’s amazing how when one person makes a start, it encourages others.”
Certainly the policy appears to be working with 19 property owners already having started work on their buildings and another 10 having agreed to do some repairs. However, four owners have been given “amenity orders” requiring them to carry out what the council describe as essential repair work inside a six month period. With court costs approaching something in the region of £2,000 for property owners prosecuted last year in the city, those under threat will have to think long and hard before ignoring the council’s demands.