Successful Prosecution

Mr Gary Powell, the owner of Purleigh Rectory, Church Hill, Purleigh and his contractor, Kevin Tibbles of 4 Green Finch Drive , Moulton, Northampton were prosecuted by Maldon District Council at Chelmsford Magistrate's Court on 11 October 2011.

Mr Powell and Mr Tibbles pleaded guilty to charges relating to the unauthorised removal of several internal brick partitions, inserting new doorways and removal of a ground floor flight of stairs.; The alterations were significant involving the irreversible loss of historic fabric from the listed building that is of national importance and listed in the nation's interest.; The listed building was designed by the eminent regional architect, Frederick Chancellor, for the Reverend Dr Edwin Hatch and built in 1885.

The Defendants were fined for the offences and ordered to contribute towards the costs of the investigation and prosecution.  Mr Powell was fined a total of £10,515 for the offences and ordered to pay £4,500 costs. Mr Tibbles was fined £2,015 for an offence and ordered to pay £500 costs.

Councillor Mrs Penny Channer, Chairman of the Council's Planning and Licensing Committee said; "The prosecution of the owner of the listed building and his contractor sends out a clear message that works to a listed building whether by an owner, developer or contractor should only be carried out with the relevant listed building consents in place. Liaison with the District Council, as the local planning authority, is paramount where works to a listed building are proposed.  The Council would prefer not to take out prosecutions for such matters but we must ensure that decisions can be made in the best interests of the listed building and in line with the Council's statutory duties in managing change in the historic environment.