Council takes action following unauthorised work on a listed building in Stow-on-the-Wold

Cotswold District Council has prosecuted the owners of St Edwards House, The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 for carrying out unauthorised works and alterations to a Grade2* listed building.

Digbeth Property Services Ltd pleaded guilty on Monday 22 July at Cheltenham Magistrates Court to undertaking the work without seeking permission.

The work included destruction and replacement of sash windows and internal alterations to the impressive building.

Prior to commencing any works a Listed Building Consent application should have been made to the Council so that the impact of the proposed works on the listed building could have been fully assessed. The Listed Building Consent application process also enables the general public to comment on the proposals.
The company was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay Council costs of £5,651 and a £170 victim surcharge.

Cllr Joe Harris, leader of Cotswold District Council said: “The Cotswolds one of the highest numbers of listed buildings in Britain and protecting them from harm is very important to us. We take this responsibility so seriously that we will take uncompromising action against anybody who tries to bypass the planning rules and damage our unique heritage.”

The prosecution was undertaken by officers in the Heritage and Design and Planning Enforcement teams assisted by the Council’s Counter Fraud Unit and Legal team.

Members of the public can contact the Council with any concerns at cdc@cotswold.gov.uk or fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk