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.