It may be Paulownia tomentosa.

Looks like a sunflower ,Helianthus annuus

Here is a link that might be useful: LINK

I was a bit fast, looks more Paulownia tomentosa like carol23 already said.

A pest here in parts of the US and now in England too?

I just can't get over how quickly it has grown - from nothing to 10 feet in one season. Seems very unusual for the UK - mind you we have had a great summer and mild autumn so far. I was expecting it would be an annual which would die with the first frost.

Paulownia

From the link below :

Paulownia is extremely fast growing; up to 20 feet in one year when young

Here is a link that might be useful: Paulownia

Nialla - not unusual for the first year of growth. It is often coppiced for its foliage because it can produce a tropical effect in a single season. It will slow down. But it is not that common for it to self sow. Usually it isn't hot enough here for it to ripen, germinate seed and survive its first winter outside.

Here is a link that might be useful: Paulownia

Thanks to all - mystery solved.

I see now there is a Paulownia in a garden not far away but I didn't consider it because the leaves are so much smaller.