ALTERATIONS carried out without permission to an historic house in a South Lakes village could lead to a criminal prosecution for the owners.
A planning row has blown up over unauthorised work to Priory Close, a Grade II* listed building in Cartmel.
The two-storey property, parts of which are medieval, overlooks the ancient priory church, and South Lakeland planners are being recommended to take enforcement action.
SLDC planning officer Fiona Clark says she does not know who the owners are as yet, but is waiting for information in order to find out.
She said that when the house was visited in September repairs were being carried out to first floor windows and panelling and a hot air duct heating system being removed.
But following complaints about a “considerable amount of work taking place” planning officers made another inspection in February.
Among unauthorised alterations found was the removal of ground floor joists, floor boards and tiles and a concrete floor being laid. Lime plaster had been removed from lath and plaster walls; plaster board inserted into lath and plaster walls and ceiling lights inserted in all rooms, including the space between what are assumed medieval rafters.
“The alterations have resulted in the removal of historic fabric from the building, which harms its historic importance,” Mrs Clark says in her report to a planning meeting.
“The materials being inserted are inappropriate given the age of the property. Whilst enforcement action can ensure that the replacement materials are appropriate the damage caused is irrevocable.
“As the harm is irrevocable an investigation is proceeding into whether a criminal offence has taken place.”
Debbie Storr, SLDC’s executive director (central services) “has authority to authorise proceedings for a criminal offence if the evidence justifies this,” said Mrs Clark in her report.
On April 1, 2005, English Heritage became responsible for the administration of the listing system. It’s an offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without listed building consent and the penalty can be a fine of unlimited amount or up to 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Grade II are considered particularly important buildings of more than special interest, amounting to four per cent of listed buildings.
Council planners are being recommended to “authorise authority to undertake enforcement action with regard to the unauthorised work”.
A planning row has blown up over unauthorised work to Priory Close, a Grade II* listed building in Cartmel.
The two-storey property, parts of which are medieval, overlooks the ancient priory church, and South Lakeland planners are being recommended to take enforcement action.
SLDC planning officer Fiona Clark says she does not know who the owners are as yet, but is waiting for information in order to find out.
She said that when the house was visited in September repairs were being carried out to first floor windows and panelling and a hot air duct heating system being removed.
But following complaints about a “considerable amount of work taking place” planning officers made another inspection in February.
Among unauthorised alterations found was the removal of ground floor joists, floor boards and tiles and a concrete floor being laid. Lime plaster had been removed from lath and plaster walls; plaster board inserted into lath and plaster walls and ceiling lights inserted in all rooms, including the space between what are assumed medieval rafters.
“The alterations have resulted in the removal of historic fabric from the building, which harms its historic importance,” Mrs Clark says in her report to a planning meeting.
“The materials being inserted are inappropriate given the age of the property. Whilst enforcement action can ensure that the replacement materials are appropriate the damage caused is irrevocable.
“As the harm is irrevocable an investigation is proceeding into whether a criminal offence has taken place.”
Debbie Storr, SLDC’s executive director (central services) “has authority to authorise proceedings for a criminal offence if the evidence justifies this,” said Mrs Clark in her report.
On April 1, 2005, English Heritage became responsible for the administration of the listing system. It’s an offence to demolish, alter or extend a listed building without listed building consent and the penalty can be a fine of unlimited amount or up to 12 months’ imprisonment, or both.
Grade II are considered particularly important buildings of more than special interest, amounting to four per cent of listed buildings.
Council planners are being recommended to “authorise authority to undertake enforcement action with regard to the unauthorised work”.
(North-West Evening Mail - 5 March 2007)
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