Victory after 30-year campaign to demolish Axminster town centre eyesore – as planners approve temporary car park scheme

Campaigners have won their 30-year battle to rid Axminster of its biggest town centre eyesore.

District council planners this week approved the demolition of the former Webster’s Garage and adjoining derelect shop to make way for a temporary car park after hearing impassioned pleas from local councillors and residents.

The Development Management Committee had been recommended to reject the scheme after its conservation team said the former Busy Bee florists shop, next to Websters, was an asset to the street scene and should not be pulled down.

But in the face of overwhelming opposition to that view the committee voted unanimously to approve the application from site owners Hallmark Estates, subject to reports regarding trees and wildlife on the site.

Welcoming a “victory for common sense” their agent Graham Barton praised the Midweek Herald for publicising the town’s campaign to rid Axminster of the ugly eyesore.