Travis Perkins has been order to demolish a newly built warehouse in Bolton, after a planning inspector criticised its appearance as 'jarring' and 'in stark contrast' to surrounding brick buildings.

Despite not having been granted planning application by the council, Travis Perkins had decided to go ahead with the construction of the building on Bark Street, Bolton.

The council's refusal was on the grounds that the building's design, height, form and materials did not ‘contribute to good urban design’ at it considers a gateway location to Bolton town centre. 

The warehouse is 20m high and 15m wide. It is covered in light grey cladding and has a white roof. It was built in replacement to an existing brick building in a dangerous state of disrepair. 

In October 2023, the council orderd the building to be demolished within 90 days because of its lack of planning permission.

Appealling that decision to the Planning Inspectorate, Travis Perkins submitted that the building ‘is essential for the viability of the business and to support construction activity in the area’.

Howver the Inpectorate has now backed the council's decision. 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 building is seen in harmful contrast to the surrounding buildings which have mainly coursed brick.

“The breach of planning control unacceptably departs from the other buildings in the locality.

“I conclude that the development has caused very significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, and that it does not constitute good design.”

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.”