Pembrokeshire Council took down the construction after the homeowner, Paul Mason, repetitively ignored their requests to remove it
The block built structure was subject to an enforcement notice before the council took it upon themselves to take it down(Image credit: Pembrokeshire Council)
A man who built a lean-to extension against a neighbour's listed building's wall has had it taken down by the council.
Pembrokeshire County Council ordered Paul Mason to remove the construction built in Lower Town, Fishguard after he failed to gain planning permission or listed building consent from the council.
However, after multiple attempts to get the man to take it down the council decided to pay for it themselves before sending the bill to Mr Mason.
What was built?
The lean-to structure was built gable end wall of a Grade II listed building(Image credit: Pembrokeshire Council)
The lean-to extension was built by Mr Mason and was seemingly using it for storage.
Although the block build extension was meant for his home it was actually attached to the neighbouring property, which was a listed building.
It was built against a gable end wall of a Grade II listed building, which is an early to mid 19th century Gothic home made from stone rubble.
Council ordered removal due to negative impact on 'special character' of the listed building
The 19th century listed building (above) is made of stone rubble and built in a Gothic design(Image credit: Google Earth)
The structure, built by Paul Mason without planning permission or listed building consent, violated section 43 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
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The Council issued a Listed Buildings Enforcement Notice on June 17th, 2021, specifically targeting the construction situated within the curtilage of his home and its attachment to the neighbouring listed property.
The Notice demanded the demolition of the unauthorised outbuilding, removal of all resulting materials, and restoration of the gable end wall at the listed building within three months.
Mr Mason appealed but this was dismissed on December 22, 2022 by a planning inspector who claimed the extension had a detrimental impact on the "special character" of the listed building.
First time in 10 years council forced to take action
The council took it upon themselves to remove the structure (as seen above) but sent Mr Mason the bill for the work(Image credit: Pembrokeshire Council)
Following the unsuccessful appeal, the council initiated legal action against Mr Mason after he failed to comply with the enforcement notice.
On December 7th, 2023, Mr Mason pleaded guilty during the trial and was subsequently fined, covering costs and a victim surcharge.
However, despite the legal proceedings, Mr Mason failed to carry out the demolition as required by the Notice. Consequently, the council's Planning Enforcement Team intervened and conducted direct action through appointed contractors to remove the illegal structure.
On March 6th, 2024, the unauthorised lean-to was removed and the expenses incurred for the demolition were placed onto Mr Mason.
Cllr Jon Harvey, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery, said: “It is sad that this situation had to get to this point and this is the first time in more than 10 years that the Council has been forced to take direct action.
“However, it was clear that the defendant was not willing to comply with the terms of the enforcement notice requiring removal so we have taken the necessary action.
“I thank our teams involved, including the Planning Enforcement and Legal officers and hope this action demonstrates our commitment to enforcing breaches of planning control and upholding the integrity of the decision making process."
News Editor Joseph has previously written for Today’s Media and Chambers & Partners, focusing on news for conveyancers and industry professionals. Joseph has just started his own self build project, building his own home on his family’s farm with planning permission for a timber frame, three-bedroom house in a one-acre field. The foundation work has already begun and he hopes to have the home built in the next year. Prior to this he renovated his family's home as well as doing several DIY projects, including installing a shower, building sheds, and livestock fences and shelters for the farm’s animals. Outside of homebuilding, Joseph loves rugby and has written for Rugby World, the world’s largest rugby magazine.
