A housing developer was described as a ‘bit rude’ after they put a 12ft sign up on land they did not own.
Taylor Wimpey quickly removed the sign promoting their new housing estate in Dunbar after residents complained they did not have permission to use the land.
And at a meeting of East Lothian Council’s planning committee today the company was criticised for the ‘oversight’.
Councillor Cher Cassini told the meeting: “It is a bit rude that Taylor Wimpey don’t own the land and haven’t even asked permission.”
Taylor Wimpey removed the sign on the junction of James Kerr Way and Yosemite Park in the town and applied for retrospective planning permission for it.
However the committee heard three objections had been lodged with East Lothian planners amid claims the sign could distract passing drivers and was sited near to a playground.
Local resident Paul Meegan told the meeting he and other residents owned the land and paid a factor to maintain it.
He said: “A large international company like Taylor Wimpey will be well versed in permission for the sign in question. ”
Jacquie Bell, another local, told the committee there was concern over the safety of children at the play park especially with HGVs travelling through the roads to new construction sites.
She said:: “It has been really concerning for local residents. I was surprised to see the sign as it is some distance from the development (Belhaven Way).”
Last week, a spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland apologised for the initial placing of the sign without planning consent describing it as an ‘oversight’ but said they hoped to reinstall it once the application was approved,
They said: “Whilst it is our standard practice to secure planning consent before erecting these types of signs, there was an oversight which meant this sign was installed prior to planning permission being obtained, and we apologise for this.”
Council officers said they had no concerns about the safety issues raised by residents over the sign and recommended it for approval.
Planning convenor Norman Hampshire said: “The sign should not have gone up without permission and Taylor Wimpey should have known that but our officers are happy this location is okay, doesn’t impede on any road safety so I am happy to support their recommendation.”
Councillor Jeremy Findlay told the planning committee he would support the application but added: “I would encourage Taylor Wimpey to get permission from the landowners before they do anything.”
Local ward councillor Donna Collins, who called in the application after concerns were raised with her about the sign and the impact on safety at the local park.
She said: “For me with all good conscience with it being next to a play park and the lorries going up and down there just now I won’t be supporting it.”
The application to install the sign was approved by nine votes to one with Councillor Collins against it.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
