Why have the Tesco signs come down?

No, it isn't because they have sold the site back to Liatris! It's because East Devon District Council has refused them planning permission (which initially they forgot to ask for but for which eventually they put in a retrospective application).

EDDC say it contravenes Policy D8 of the Local Plan. I looked this up on the EDDC website and it says that Display advertisements will be granted only if

1. the sign is appropriately positioned in relation to the design of the building (!) and is of an appropriate scale

2. the advertisement does not create a hazard to traffic safety (whether vehicular or pedestrian)

3. Advertisements are kept to a minimum, and amalgamated wherever possible, to avoid clutter which would detract from the character of the building and the street scene

4. Where a sign is lit the type and level of illumination is appropriate given the general level of lighting in the area

5. The construction materials and the colours of the advertisement are sympathetic to the building and the area.

Presumably, they refused permission on the grounds of 1, 3 and 5, seeing as how the advertisements were big, on scaffolding and bright blue and orange.