East Devon Council Orders Removal of Housebuilder’s Sales Centre

East Devon District Council has instructed a construction company to dismantle a structure it erected within a town centre. According to East Devon District Council, the premises, which Taylor Wimpey utilized as a sales centre on Cranbrook’s high street, was constructed without the necessary planning consent. The council stated that it initiated enforcement proceedings against the company, mandating the sales centre’s removal and the restoration of the site to its previous state within a three-month timeframe. Taylor Wimpey confirmed that it had submitted an application for retrospective planning permission for the sales centre and expressed regret for any concern caused by the building’s placement. Councillor Todd Olive, who holds the portfolio for strategic planning, indicated that the authority communicated with Taylor Wimpey on 25 October, requesting the removal of the building, along with its accompanying flags and signage. He further stated that this request was not fulfilled, resulting in the enforcement action being issued on Wednesday. “We want to see further shops coming forward at this prominent high street location,” Olive stated. He added, “It is deeply frustrating that Taylor Wimpey chose to go ahead with the installation of their sales centre that will block this objective.” Taylor Wimpey asserted its full support for the provision of shops, community amenities, and residences within Cranbrook town centre. The company further explained that the sales centre was a temporary cabin, selected to “generate more activity” in the town and to enable the firm to finalize the development of the area’s first phase. A company spokesperson conveyed Taylor Wimpey’s apology for any problems arising from the sales centre. The spokesperson concluded, “We have been engaging openly with East Devon District Council through this process and have applied for retrospective planning permission for the temporary cabin.”