Farmer ordered to pay £45k for illegal demolition

A farmer who knocked down a Grade II listed dovecote on his land without consent has been ordered to pay fines and costs of more than £45,000.

Philip Gore, of Lower Newton Farm near Yockleton, in Shropshire, was sentenced at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after previously admitting the offence.

Shropshire Council said the late 17th Century structure was the last remaining building associated with an ancient moated farmstead that once existed at the site.

It reported the judge had said the fine for such an offence should be more than any potential financial gain by the defendant for the offence, and should also act as a deterrent.

The penalty was made up of a fine of £30,000, plus £15,000 towards the council's costs for bringing the prosecution and a victim surcharge of £190.

The council said it became aware of the offence when Mr Gore submitted a notification for a new grain store on the site of the former dovecote.

It said when officers visited the farm in March 2022 they found the dovecote demolished and the site levelled with hardcore in preparation for the new building.

Altering or demolishing a listed building without consent is a criminal offence.

Chris Schofield, the councillor responsible for planning and regulatory services, said the local authority was aware the case would "have long-term consequences for both him and his farm business" and did not take the decision to prosecute lightly.

But he added: "This was one of the worst examples of deliberate damage and destruction to a listed building seen in the county in recent decades."