Published on 25th June 2025
Property owner fined £2,616 for failing to repair listed building
Cheltenham Borough Council has successfully prosecuted the owner of a listed building in Clarence Square for failing to fix its poor condition.
The property, which sits within a designated conservation area, has been left to deteriorate over a number of years despite repeated contact from the council’s planning enforcement team since 2017.
On 9 June 2025, at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, Mr Thatcher pleaded guilty by post to failing to comply with a Section 215 Notice requiring urgent repairs to the property.
The notice required Mr Thatcher to:
- Make a structurally unsafe balcony safe
- Repair loose render
- Repaint the building
- Fix damaged doors and windows
A fine of £440 was issued, as well as £176 victim surcharge, and £2,000 costs to the council, bringing the total to £2,616.
Cllr Rowena Hay, leader of the council, said: “Listed buildings are a vital part of Cheltenham’s heritage, and they need to be properly maintained. When owners fail to take action, it affects not just the building but the wider area. This prosecution sends a clear message that we will not allow listed buildings to be neglected.”
The council will continue to monitor the property to ensure the required repairs are carried out.
Find out more about planning enforcement.
ENDS
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Notes for editors:
Section 215 (s215) of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 provides a local planning authority with the power, in certain circumstances, to take steps requiring land to be cleaned up when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area.
