Travis Perkins ordered to pull down warehouse built without planning permission

Builders merchant Travis Perkins must demolish a new warehouse that Bolton Council has described as  ‘jarring’ and ‘in stark contrast’ to surrounding brick buildings, and that did not receive planning permission.

The new building replaced an existing warehouse which Travis Perkins said was dangerous and had partially collapsed and the roof was sagging.

The council’s refusal for permission of the 20m high grey-clad building was on the grounds that the design, height, form and materials did not ‘contribute to good urban design’ at it considers a gateway location to Bolton town centre.

Although the builders merchant appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, the council’s decision has been upheld. Planning inspector D Hartley said: “The unauthorised building is appreciated by passers-by as being in stark contrast to the brick-built buildings that surround it. The cladding is very bright in colour and hence has a jarring impact when experienced from the surrounding streets.”

The inspector has ordered the warehouse to be demolished within six months.

A spokesperson for Travis Perkins said: “We are currently reviewing the appeal decision and considering our next steps.”