Developer Taylor Wimpey has apologised after it was ordered to remove a temporary sales office constructed without planning permission in Cranbrook town centre.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) has taken enforcement action over the cabin – saying it must be taken down within three months.
The house builder has now applied for retrospective approval for the structure, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bradley Gerrard.
It says it erected the cabin believing it could be given the go-ahead under so-called ‘meanwhile uses’ – a planning term where something temporary will make way for a more permanent fixture.
A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “We recognise the enforcement notice served on us by East Devon District Council and apologise for any alarm that the siting of our new temporary sales cabin has caused.
“We fully support the delivery of shops, community facilities and homes within Cranbrook town centre and the location of our new temporary cabin was chosen to help generate more activity in the town centre, as well as to allow us to complete development of the Phase One area.
“We are actively marketing the phase of land where the new cabin is sited and are open to offers.
“We have been engaging openly with East Devon District Council through this process and have applied for retrospective planning permission for the temporary cabin.”
Taylor Wimpey added that temporary consent for its previous sales centre off London Road – which will be replaced by a dozen homes – was due to expire, hence opening a new one.
An enforcement notice was issued by EDDC on October 30.
Councillor Todd Olive, who represents Rockbeare and Whimple and is EDDC’s portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: “We are acutely aware that the residents of Cranbrook want to see a vibrant town centre that includes a range of facilities.
“We also know that residents want to see a better balance between the emphasis placed on house sales by the developers and the provision of community infrastructure.
“We want to see further shops coming forward at this prominent high street location.
“It is deeply frustrating that Taylor Wimpey chose to go ahead with the installation of their sales centre that will block this objective.
“These works were undertaken without planning permission. The developers were advised before going ahead that planning permission was required and that the proposed site would be unsuitable.
“The council acted swiftly to write to the developer requesting that the building and associated flags and signage were removed by October 25.
“This was not complied with and the issuing of the enforcement notice represents the beginning of formal action.
The future of Cranbrook town centre is of critical importance for the success of the growing community.
“The Cranbrook Plan anticipates a vibrant, self-supporting town centre that includes a range of uses and activities to draw people in.
“With the imminent completion of the supermarket, high street shops and children’s nursery, the town centre is now starting to take shape. T
“The council will also shortly be considering a masterplan for the ongoing development to the town centre.”
Cranbrook Town Council has backed EDDC’s actions.
