EAST Devon District Council took enforcement action on October 30 requiring the permanent removal of the new Taylor Wimpey sales centre, located in Cranbrook town centre.

The enforcement notice requires that the building is removed and that the site is returned to its former condition within 3 months.

The East Devon District Council are acutely aware that the residents of Cranbrook want to see a vibrant town centre that includes a range of facilities.

They 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.

Cllr Todd Olive, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for strategic planning, said: “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 all associated flags and signage were removed by the October 25. This was not complied with, and the issuing of the enforcement notice represents the beginning of formal action. 

Cllr Todd Olive added: “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. The Council will also shortly be considering a masterplan for the ongoing development to the town centre. “

Chairman of Cranbrook Town Council, Cllr Les Bayliss, added: “Cranbrook Town Council agrees with East Devon District Council and supports the action that they have taken.”

In response to the enforced removal proceedings, 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 1 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.”