Woman fined for not maintaining listed building
The building in Boston, Lincolnshire, is an English Heritage listed property
- Published
The owner of a listed building has been fined for allowing it to fall "into a state of disrepair".
Council bosses said they became "concerned for the long-term safety" of 65A-67 Wide Bargate in Boston.
Farzana Yasmin Akhter, of Portman Close, Peterborough, failed to comply with a notice from Boston Borough Council ordering her to make repairs. She was convicted in her absence at Boston Magistrates' Court on 24 March and fined £660.
A spokesperson for the authority said they hope "important renovations will now get under way to bring this listed property back to the state it should be".
The council said it contacted Akhter in December 2023, asking for "improvements to be made to safeguard the building and enhance its appearance".
According to the the authority, no work was undertaken.
In June 2024, a legal notice was issued under section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act, which stated the work should be completed by October 2024.
The authority said despite the formal notice, no work took place.
Akhter failed to engage further with the council, leading to legal action being taken, the council said.
As well as the fine, she was ordered to pay £350 costs to the council and a victim surcharge of £264.
The council said Akhter is still required to carry out work and may face further action if it is not completed.
'No choice'
After the hearing, a Boston Borough Council spokesperson said: "Our planning enforcement team has worked over a prolonged period to engage with this property owner to make sure the required works were carried out.
"But unfortunately were left with no choice but to pursue legal proceedings to see action taken."
The authority said they were "pleased" with the court's outcome and hope work begins to bring the listed property "back to the state it should be".
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