Cheltenham Magistrates Court have issued a fine against the owners of a listed barn who refused to comply with an enforcement notice to remove unauthorised solar panels.
Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court announced that a discounted fine would be given for the early guilty plea, but that the matter was regarded as especially serious as the parties concerned are estate agents and should have been more knowledgeable about the rules and regulations on planning.
Bob Kindred, IHBC’s Research Consultant said ‘This case illustrates how important it is that all and any professionals involved with buildings should fully understand the law with regard to historic building protection and the consequences and penalties of failing to adhere to its clear requirements. This is particularly so where the defendants are listed building owners themselves and even more so when advising other owners and prospective purchasers in the conduct of their everyday business.’
The ‘Gloucestershire Echo’ has reported that the owners of an estate agents in Cheltenham have been fined for failure to comply with a listed building enforcement notice requiring the removal of solar panels from a listed barn which they own in Charlton Kings.
