The estate agency had installed six “Vendu” boards on the facade of a building. Forbidden, the mayor ordered Orpi to remove them …
Orpi Immobilier has sold several apartments in a building on St. Vincent Street, located just above the shop, Nature et Découverte.
Until then, nothing abnormal. The problem is that it has installed a “sold” board to each window of the second and third floor with the name of the real estate agency. In total there are sixteen.
“It is forbidden” , launches Thépaut Gerard, deputy mayor in charge of urban planning and land affairs.
A somewhat vague regulation
The deputy mayor has sent a letter to the head of the agency ordering him to remove these signs. “No advertising is permitted in the conservation area except the shop signs and the so called stop pavement “ , adds Gérard Thépault.
If the agency does not relieve the orders of the Town Hall, it risks a big fine according to Local Advertising Regulations (RPL) of Vannes of 2001.
“We proposed a new version in 2010, but it was refused and challenged before the Administrative Court” , explains Gérard Thépaut.
Elected officials are currently working on a new RLP for 2017. The current document is silent on the boards “for sale” or “for rent”. “Just because that in 2001, there was no abuse. Today is different, “ says the deputy mayor.
A publicity stunt
When contacted, the Orpi agency said they had not been aware of this regulation.
“We wanted to make a good publicity stunt by installing these panels. I did not know it was forbidden because it is seen everywhere, “ says Bertrand Le Gallic, an official of the agency in Vannes.
Orpi is not the only agency to breach the rules. Recently, the agency Foncia installed two banners on scaffolding of a building in the harbor area and close to the fish market.
“Our colleagues are not shy to do it. I am willing to follow rules but in such cases, it is for everyone the same. And the municipality must apply the rule “ says the realtor.
