How Can You Restore Listed Buildings After Unlawful Works?

Many of the laws surrounding listed building alterations and restorations were instituted following several disastrous ahistorical changes to British heritage and the spirit of why listed building consent matters was echoed in the recent case of The Rookery in Stanmore.

A Georgian-era mansion with accompanying stables, The Rookery is Grade II listed and according to its official listing dates back to the early 18th century as a home for the owner of the nearby Clutterbuck Brewery.

However, following its purchase in 2022, the building was subject to several changes that left the building “gutted”, with many of its original features removed and replaced with decorations and features described as “fake old”.

Planning and consent have been given to reverse these changes, despite fears that the building might have been so damaged by the unlawful works that it would become impossible to restore before they were stopped thanks to a concerted effort by local conservation groups and enforcement action.

Such was the scale of the illegal alterations that enforcement action was not initially served, although the potential for an unlimited fine and up to two years in prison is still an option under the current law.

It is reminiscent somewhat of the cultural destruction caused by the demolition of English country houses from the late 19th century up until the 1950s when a country house that would now be considered of cultural, historical or architectural importance would be demolished every five days.

Other threats included historic buildings that were bought by wealthy landowners in the United States to be shipped in their entirety brick by brick to another country. The specific threat to Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire would prove to be a catalyst for greater protection of listed buildings.

Whilst the motivations for these early 20th-century demolitions are different to the faux-historical works made to The Rookery, the result is similar and the extensive restoration work will be looked upon with particular interest by everyone in the conservation community.