I always thought that planning permission had to be sought before companies could erect large billboards, but there certainly hasn’t been a single notice posted anywhere in the area for this monster thing on Coldharbour Lane.
Erected on what was a piece of publicly accessible grass verge (and latterly an ad hoc car parking space) the billboard looks to be a replacement for the one which formerly straddled the space between the old Texaco garage and the green area outside Southwyck House (by Moorlands Road).
Apparently, that carbuncle had never received planning permission either, but lingered on for several years before finally being pulled down a few years back. Apart from its unsightly appearance, the billboard provided cover for all sorts of nefarious activity, as well as providing a handy public toilet space – right next to where kids play.
Is it legal?
I tried to check with Lambeth’s planning department today, but after being kept on hold for ten minutes gave up. Does anyone know is this thing has got planning permission? Post a comment or send us a message if you know – or you can discuss it on our boards.
If it turns out that the big ugly thing does indeed have no planning permission, than perhaps it might be time to consult this useful guide: Smashing the image factory. A Complete Manual of Billboard Subversion & Destruction.
Related discussion: Would it be illegal to ‘enhance’ any adverts displayed on an illegal billboard?
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