A couple has been fined for failing to maintain a Grade II listed building in Redbourn.
St Albans District Council had issued a notice under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 ordering Susan and Michael Gentil to remedy the run-down property in High Street.
When the couple failed to comply with the notice, the council brought criminal proceedings against them under section 216 of the Act. Initially the couple pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with the notice, but on the day of the trial at Watford Magistrates’ Court, on December 21, the couple changed their plea to guilty.
The court fined the couple £250 each for the offence after hearing that they had recently started work on complying with the terms of the notice.
The defendants were also each ordered to pay £500 costs and a £15 victim surcharge, bringing the total fine to £1,530. Following discussions about the work required to comply with the notice, Mr and Mrs Gentil agreed to complete guttering works by March 31 and additional works by the end of June.
Councillor Chris Brazier, portfolio holder for planning and conservation, said: “The council as the local planning authority will take action where necessary to ensure that listed buildings are properly maintained and protected. Listed buildings need to be properly maintained as they contribute to the character of the district and help make it an attractive place in which to live.”
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