Council brings successful prosecution in respect of unauthorised works to listed building

At Telford Magistrates Court on Monday 6 August 2018, Andrew Huffer, the owner of 5 Marine Terrace in Shrewsbury – a grade II listed building within the Conservation Area – pleaded guilty in respect of unauthorised alterations he had made to the property. 

These alterations were made to facilitate the installation of a hot tub, balustrade and fencing at the house, and were carried out without the benefit of Listed Building Consent.  

The defendant, who had also failed to comply with a Listed Buildings Enforcement Notice, was sentenced to pay fines and costs of £1,200 and agreed to remove the unauthorised fencing, balustrade and hot tub within 28 days.  

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for planning and housing development, said: 

“I am very pleased with this positive outcome for the council, which I trust will send a clear message that the council will use all available enforcement powers to reach effective outcomes in accordance with planning law and the council’s policies. 

“Our aim is to reach positive outcomes for development wherever possible, which is why the planning service provides a pre-application advice service. It is far simpler to find out in advance whether your development requires permission and is likely to get it than to face a planning enforcement process.” 

Nat Green, Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said: 

“I know this decision will come as a huge relief to residents in the local area whose lives have been affected by these unauthorised works, and in particular the use of the hot tub at this property.” 

People wishing to develop land or property should visit the council’s website at https://shropshire.gov.uk/planning/applications/pre-application-advice-request-form/ to find out more about its pre-application planning advice service.