Grotty properties are being improved at a rate of almost one per week, since the Council started its zero tolerance campaign against eyesores.
The scheme to boost the town's image has resulted in a total of 150 buildings being repaired in key areas such as the town centre, Queens Road, seafront and Bohemia. Countless warning letters and a total of 121 Section 215 Notices have been served on property owners, which require them to do up the exterior of their building or face prosecution.
Over the last three years, the Council's Grotbuster team has successfully prosecuted 14 property owners - a 100 per cent conviction record.
The latest prosecution took place in October when Mr Michael Shortall of Bath was prosecuted for failing to comply with a Notice served on November 11th 2002 for renovation and repairs to 42 Bulverhythe Road. Work has only just started on the property - seven months late and only after the court summons was sent to Mr Shortall. Magistrates imposed a fine of £300 and £150 costs.
Councillor Paul Silverson, Cabinet Member responsible for Regeneration & Planning, said:
"I think this campaign has really boosted the image of the town. Some notorious eyesores have been improved and we've sent out a clear message to property owners that they must be responsible for the upkeep of the exterior of their buildings, or we could prosecute.
"There is some wonderful architecture here and it is vital that we preserve it and enhance it so that everyone can enjoy it.
"The work that our enforcement team is doing is now being heralded by other councils as best practice. A total of 18 councils nationally have made enquiries and come to talk to us about how they can run similar schemes, most recently Brighton & Hove City Council and the Isle of Wight Council."
For more information check out the planning section on the website http://www.hastings.gov.uk/planning or call the planning enforcement team on 01424 783255
left: Norman Road before and after renovation
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This page last updated: 18/12/2003