Elmbridge Council has told Sainsbury’s it has two-weeks to take down the 4ft lettering on the roof of its new building in Cobham, or it will serve a planning order forcing the issue.

Sainsbury’s has recently extended its store in Branch Way after getting planning permission last year, but the company had to wait until a planning meeting at the council on Monday, July 27, to find out whether councillors would grant permission for it to erect the signs.

But last week the supermarket chain decided to ignore official protocol and put up the signs ahead of the decision.

Councillor James Browne, who represents Cobham Fairmile, said he was disappointed Sainsbury’s had put the signs up before getting permission.

He said: “As it stands they don’t have planning permission to have these signs. They’ve jumped the gun and taken a chance.”

Coun Browne said Sainsbury’s actions would also not endear it with members of the public who already objected to the proposals.

He said: “Ideally, the developer should wait until they get planning permission. Sainsbury’s knows it is facing objections from residents who don’t like the look of [the proposals]. This is hardly in the spirit of community engagement.”

A spokesman for the council confirmed Sainsbury’s had been asked to remove the signs immediately.

Sainsbury’s refused to comment on why the decision was made to put the signs up prematurely.

A spokesman said: “As part of this relaunch, Sainsbury’s has submitted a planning application for the erection of new signage at the store and is currently in the process of discussing this with council planning officers.

“We are hopeful that a positive outcome can be reached on the application.”

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