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11 Sep 00

£2,000 FINE FOR UNAUTHORISED WORK TO LISTED BUILDING

A Poole businessman is facing a fine of £2,000 for carrying out unauthorised works to a Grade II Listed Building in Poole's Old Town.

The decision follows the illegal removal and replacement of a Victorian timber shop front with one in UPVC without Listed Building Consent.

Successfully challenged by Borough of Poole, the Magistrate's verdict means that the owner must pay a fine of £2000 within 10 months and reinstate a replica of the original shop front within 3 months.

Listed Building Consent is needed for any alterations to Listed Buildings which could affect their special character. Any owners wishing to carry out work to their property must obtain Listed Building Consent from the Council's Planning Design and Control Service before work can start, regardless of whether or not Planning Permission is required. The carrying out of such work without consent is a criminal offence.

John Biggs, the Conservation Officer, Borough of Poole, said: "Happily, unauthorised work on listed buildings is a fairly rare occurrence. Most owners are aware of the importance of careful preservation and sensitive alteration to listed buildings. Copies of a leaflet explaining the restrictions are available but a quick chat with your local Conservation Officer will usually produce a good solution. The advice available will ensure we don't lose important parts of our national heritage and could save owners a lot of money."

A leaflet on, "Listed Buildings in Poole", containing an index of all of the buildings that appear on the Statutory List in the Borough and advising when and how to make an application for Listed Building Consent is available from Planning Design & Control Services, Civic Centre, Borough of Poole.

Anyone who would like technical information on planning consent or advice on the best methods and materials for maintenance, repair and alteration can contact, John Biggs, the Conservation Officer, Borough of Poole on tel: (01202) 633331.

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John Biggs, Conservation Officer, tel: (01202) 633331