Sandwich Cars has finally moved to a new office after permission from planners.

The taxi firm applied for a change of use to the Grade II listed property at 2 Cattle Market, next to the Empire cinema, in Delf Street.

It is part of the former Barclays Bank and the owners officially moved in last Wednesday.

Sandwich Cars needed a new taxi office after the owners of their former office in Delf Street decided to try to change the property into houses.

Dave Atkins, who owns Sandwich Cars, said: “All the permissions (for the change of use) went through. It was a long, hard struggle but we’ve got a new home now.

“It was a pretty awful month but it’s all come together.”

The firm was allowed to trade in its former building but Mr Atkins said in the last month development had been taking place which meant they were surrounded by builders.

The planning application to turn 12 and 12a Delf Street into two dwellings and one self-contained flat was granted permission in September last year.

Mr Atkins said: “We had to camp there. It was pretty difficult but the developers were very helpful.”

The firm has had to adhere to certain conditions. This included sound tests to make sure there would be no disturbance to neighbours – which the company passed.

Mr Atkins said the new office did not look like a typical taxi office – it was cosy and in an ideal location.

Sandwich Cars has been operating in the town for 40 years and the news that it had to move offices sparked fears the company would have to cease trading. Mr Atkins said they received lots of letters of support.

Sandwich Town Council has also supported the company.