The owner of a listed building in Stockton which was being converted into flats without consent has been fined and charged with an offence under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council writes:
The owners and site manager of a Grade II listed property in Stockton have been fined a total of £5,240 after admitting carrying out building works without listed building consent.
Dennis Harley Developments of Cygnet Drive, Stockton and site manager 40 year old, James Harley of Castlelevington in Yarm, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court yesterday (12 August) charged with one offence each under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
On 6 December 2013 a planning officer noticed that works were being undertaken at the 170 year old property at 78 Norton Road. The site was inspected and officers found that works were being carried out to convert the building into flats.
James Harley, the site manager, was advised that as the property is Grade II listed, all building works should cease because listed building consent was required. Letters were also delivered to the owners Dennis Harley Developments Ltd confirming this.
Officers visited the property again on 9 December 2013 and 11 December 2013 and on both occasions found that the works were continuing.
On 12 December 2013 Stockton Council was granted a County Court injunction against Dennis Harley Developments ordering the works to stop.
In mitigation the solicitor representing both Mr Harley and the company said that the majority of the damage had been done prior to the company buying the building at auction. The works carried out were necessary to ensure that the property wasn’t damaged further as it had been broken in to on a couple of occasions and water had leaked into the property.
The solicitor also told the court that the company wanted to carry out the works to bring the building back into use, providing employment and accommodation for local people.
At Teesside Magistrates’ Court yesterday Dennis Harley Developments Ltd and James Harley pleaded guilty to executing works for alteration of a listed building, which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, when the works didn’t have listed building consent.
Dennis Harley Developments Ltd was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £500 towards costs and a victim surcharge of £120. James Harley was also fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £500 towards costs and a victim surcharge of £120.
Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Councillor Mike Smith, said: ‘The laws regarding listed building consent are there for a reason, to protect the historical significance of relevant properties, and the Council has a duty to ensure the law is complied with. The listing description covers the entire building and curtilage. It is important that buildings like this are protected for future generations. I hope this case will act as a warning that any unauthorised changes to listed buildings are not tolerated.’
