Council halts 'horrendous' unauthorised work at listed Buttermarket property
Ipswich Borough Council has issued a stop notice after unauthorised building works were carried out at a Grade II listed property on Buttermarket, with the council warning of a possible criminal prosecution.
Why it matters: The council says it is aware of unauthorised works at 35 Buttermarket and has taken action, warning that carrying out works to a listed building without consent is a criminal offence.
The details: The council confirmed it has not granted planning permission for a change of use at the property, and has not received a Listed Building Consent application for the works undertaken there recently.
- 35 Buttermarket is a Grade II listed building.
- The council said it became aware of the works on Tuesday, 18 August, and immediately issued a notice on site requiring all works to stop with immediate effect.
- Council officers have since attended a site meeting to inspect the property and discuss the works carried out.
- The council has instructed that works undertaken to the shopfront must be reversed.
- The council expects to receive a retrospective application for Listed Building Consent for the works already carried out inside the building.
What they're saying: Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: "The Council became aware of the works at 35 Buttermarket on Tuesday 18 August.
"The Council immediately issued a notice onsite requiring all works to stop with immediate effect and has subsequently attended a meeting on site to inspect the property and discuss the works that have been undertaken.
"Carrying out works to a listed building without the necessary consent is a criminal offence. Unauthorised alterations, modifications, or other works may constitute an offence under Section 9 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. In such circumstances, the owner(s), applicant, agent and/or contractor(s) involved may be liable to formal enforcement action and/or prosecution.
"The Council has issued instructions that the works undertaken to the shopfront must be reversed and expects to receive a retrospective application for Listed Building Consent for the works already undertaken inside the building. This will enable the Council to formally assess the impact of the works on the building's special architectural and historic interest and determine whether they should be retained, amended or reversed."
Cllr Jones added that the applicant will be expected to advise the council of their intended use of the property, which will be considered to ensure it is appropriate for the Grade II listed building in the town centre.
For context: The most recent planning decision on record for 35 Buttermarket dates back to 14 March 2002, when the council granted permission (reference IP/02/00077/FUL) for a change of use from Class A1 (shops) to Class A2 (financial and professional services).
The bottom line: With a stop notice in place and the council awaiting a retrospective Listed Building Consent application, the future of the shopfront – and the building's next use – now rests on an assessment of works that were carried out without the council's knowledge or approval.
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