NEWS: #Cheltenham Borough Council has won a court case, bringing a successful prosecution against the owner of a Grade II listed building for unauthorised works and has had a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) confirmed, to bring a long term vacant property back into use. Nina Salerno, owner of 24 Lansdown Parade, Cheltenham, carried out unauthorised works, including removing and replacing the staircase and three fireplaces, along with further internal works. The works carried out were deemed to affect the property’s character as a building of special, architectural or historic interest. Due to the severity of the works that had taken place, the case went before Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 24 February 2014, where the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her. A trial date was set for 16 June 2014. After taking professional advice from legal and heritage experts, the defendant changed her plea on 5 June 2014. The matter went before Cheltenham Magistrates Court on 16 June 2014 where the defendant was found guilty of the charges brought against her and ordered to pay the Council’s full legal costs within 14 days of the trial. The owner has now instructed a heritage expert to work with the council in resolving the issues at the property. In the second case, a long term empty home in Golden Miller Road, Cheltenham, was having a detrimental impact on the neighbourhood due to a lack of maintenance, resulting in a state of disrepair. Housing and Planning legislation was used to successfully bring 8 Golden Miller Road back into use, enabling it to be renovated and reoccupied and improving the local area. Nigel Fletcher, the owner, had been contacted many times and was eventually prosecuted under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for lack of compliance with a notice requiring works to improve the property. Due to his inaction and lack of co-operation, the Council decided to use its compulsory purchase powers.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:06:17 +0000
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