Wealden District Council has prosecuted two home-owners – one of whom is a councillor -- for causing ‘irreversible changes’ to a Grade II listed building.
Cllr Barby Dashwood-Morris pleaded guilty to six charges of causing works to be executed, for the alteration of a 14th Century building, known as The Priest House, without obtaining the proper consent from the council.
Cllr Dashwood-Morris was chairman of Wealden District Council’s Planning Committee South from 2011 until 2013.
Alan Proudfoot also pleaded guilty to four charges of making alterations to a listed building.
‘The changes to this important listed building came to light when the owners attempted to sell the property,’ said Kelvin Williams, Wealden’s District Council’s head of planning and environmental services.
‘Owners of historic properties should be aware of their responsibilities to the property and future generations. We will take action when necessary to protect the important heritage of our district.’
Cllr Dashwood-Morris was fined £75,000 by the district judge at Brighton Magistrates Court who also ordered her to pay £40,000 towards the council’s costs. Alan Proudfoot was fined £48,000 and was ordered to pay £40,000 costs.
