A developer who carried out unlawful works to a listed building now faces fines and costs totalling almost £2,000.
Christopher Cave from Newnham on Severn pleaded guilty at Cheltenham Magistrates Court today (February 4) to the charge in connection to works at 141 Southgate Street in Gloucester – a Grade II listed building.
The works included:
·The demolition of an historic wall and doorway to create an enlarged room.
·Alterations to the main historic staircase.
·Damage to the ground floor entrance tiles, and,
·Loss of architectural details such as the lath and plaster ceiling, skirting and coving.
The works were undertaken without planning or listed building consent and the council's conservation officer considered them to have caused a harmful and negative impact on the special architectural and historic character of the property.
He was ordered to pay a fine of £250 and costs of £1,488.
Council Leader, Paul James, commented: " This case and the resulting fine should send out a very clear message to developers that they cannot 'rip apart' listed buildings at a whim.
" These buildings form a vital part of our heritage and we have a duty to see that they are preserved and that developers treat them with the sympathy that their age and importance requires."
He added: " Any owner, builder or developer who is in any doubt about works they propose to do on a listed building should contact the City Council's conservation team which will be happy to provide advice."