This case involves a Grade II* Listed Building. Metcalfe Briggs Survyors’ client was sympathetically refurbishing the property which had been purchased in a neglected condition when the Local Authority conservation architect intervened. Despite the fact that the works were repair and did not need Listed Building Consent, the conservation architect acted in an obstructive and vexatious way, effectively preventing work from continuing, and leaving the property vulnerable to further damage and decay.
Every attempt at constructive dialogue failed and finally, despite assurances from the Local Authority to the contrary, the householder was subject to criminal prosecution on the grounds of 12 counts of unauthorised alterations to a listed building.
With help from Metcalfe Briggs, the prosecution was successfully defended on all counts, with the Local Authority evidence and conduct being discredited and the householder being free of a criminal record.
Criminal Prosecution Avoided - Listed Building Refurbishment Kent