Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has apologized after her office sign was put up without the necessary planning permission, acknowledging the oversight and working to correct it.
Darlington: Lola McEvoy, the local MP, has run into trouble with council planning laws. She put up an office sign without getting permission first.
Her new office on Blackwellgate opened this week. It took six months after she was elected as a Labour MP. Some people criticized the delay, but she said safety was her main concern.
The sign reads, “Lola McEvoy Member of Parliament for Darlington.” However, she didn’t apply for the required planning permission. Reports say she needed both advertisement and listed building consent.
Local Conservative councillor Jonathan Dulston commented on the situation. He questioned whether the Labour-controlled planning committee would approve the sign retroactively.
Lola admitted the mistake and is now working to get the right permissions. A spokesperson said it was an administrative error and they apologize for it.
They had permission to replace the old sign but didn’t realize they needed more consent. Lola expressed excitement about the office being open and ready to help constituents.
Earlier this week, she announced the opening, saying, “The signs are up, and we can now welcome constituents to our Darlington office.” Her team had been working from the office since last year.
They had to meet constituents in different places while waiting for security to be set up. Lola emphasized that the safety of staff and visitors is a top priority.
