Illegal Billboard Finally Torn Down After Years of Dodging Rules
An unauthorised advert hoarding, first reported back in 2017, has finally been ripped down by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) after years of ignoring the rules.
Companies Ignored Warnings on Removal or Consent
The billboard was put up without permission. MBC tried to track down the landowners and contacted the companies behind the advert, urging them to either take it down or apply for retrospective planning consent.
Those companies ignored every warning. So, on 1 November 2022, MBC slapped an Advert Removal Notice on them, demanding the structure be removed by 29 November.
Council Takes Direct Action After Deadline Passed
With no action taken by the deadline, MBC rolled up their sleeves and removed the billboard themselves. Officials call it a “great result” and a first for using this specific Notice.
If you’ve got concerns about planning enforcement or want to find out more, visit the MBC planning enforcement page.
