The newly-opened Hove Sainsbury’s in Western Road has replaced its frontage after Brighton and Hove City Council warned it could face action for breaching planning law.
The supermarket giant sparked the ire of council leader Mary Mears after it opened before officers had dealt with its planning application for its new fascia – which was subsequently turned down for being out of character with the area.
Planning enforcement officers requested the sign be removed by today (April 26) and this afternoon confirmed that the sign has been taken down and replaced with a temporary sign more in keeping with the surrounding area.
The council said it is confident that Sainsbury’s will continue to work with planning officers and a revised application for a new shop front and fascia advertisement are expected to be submitted by the middle of May.
Martin Randall, Assistant Director, development, planning and public protection, said: “I am pleased that in this case we have secured the co-operation of Sainsbury’s to put the matter right.
“However, where deadlines are not met and planning regulations continue to be ignored we will not hesitate to take further action.”
Ms Mears used this as an example of how the big national chains operate above local regulations – while saying she hoped councils could work to stop them pushing out independent traders in the future.
Since Sainsbury’s was warned about the Hove store’s frontage, Aldi has also been served with a breach of conditions notice for allowing deliveries to its Portslade store in Carlton Terrace to take place outside agreed hours.
