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The Lancashire Post<\/em> writes:<\/p>\n Chorley Council successfully brought the prosecution and Deputy District Judge Maxwell described the actions of the pair as \u2018reckless\u2019 and that there was \u2018a public duty to ensure people don\u2019t just ignore the listing of buildings\u2019.<\/p>\n Coun Paul Walmsley, who is responsible for planning enforcement at Chorley Council, said: \u2018It\u2019s really important that we protect the historic buildings in the borough and if we find people breaking the law then we will take action. This case was a classic example of people thinking they could get away with knocking down what might have appeared a run down building in parts, but had importance in the context of Chorley\u2019s history. If people are thinking of doing work to a property like this, which is listed, you have to follow the proper procedures otherwise you face being taken to court and getting a criminal record.\u2019<\/p>\n The history of Holt Farm can be traced back to the 14th century and was the ancient home of the Chisnall family\u2026 a Grade II listed building as it retained the core of a late medieval timber-framed building and was also of architectural interest.<\/p>\n Property developer Dutton bought the farm in 2016 and got planning permission and listed building consent for renovations and alterations, but not for the full demolition of the building. Between December last year and February this year the building was demolished and a steel frame had been erected in its place as a starting point for building a new property.<\/p>\n \u2026 \u2018The message from this case is very simple \u2013 if people carry out unauthorised work we will take action and go to court if necessary,\u2019 said Coun Walmsley. \u2018If you are looking to carry out work to your property and are not sure whether permissions are required then please get in touch and we can advise. If you become aware of people carrying out unauthorised work then we\u2019d ask you to report it to us.\u2019<\/p>\n Dutton was fined \u00a310,000 and ordered to pay \u00a39,500 costs and a \u00a3120 victim surcharge. Quirk, who the judge said was less culpable because he was following the instructions of Dutton who employed him, was fined \u00a3500, ordered to pay \u00a3100 costs and a \u00a3100 victim surcharge. The case was heard at Blackburn Magistrates\u2019 Court on Thursday, December 20.<\/p>\n Read more….<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Two men will have to pay more than \u00a320,000 after pleading guilty to demolishing a Grade II (GII) listed building in Chorley, Holt Farm, without permission, following a successful prosecution by Chorley Council in which the judge highlighted the \u2018public … Continue reading