Unauthorised Renovations Highlights Purpose Of Listed Status

Planning officers have served enforcement notices after significant alterations were made to a Grade II* listed manor house without consent. BBC News reports that Swinfen Hall in Staffordshire, which was built in 1755, has been the subject of illegal work including the building of a swimming pool and the removal of fireplaces and internal walls.

There are also reports that UPVC windows have been fitted instead of windows that are in keeping with the original materials. While it is not impossible to make alterations or restorations to listed buildings, strict regulations mean that the owners must seek planning permission and/or listed building consent from the local authority first.  

Grade II listed buildings are considered to be of national importance and special interest, and their special status is intended to safeguard them for future generations. The building might be listed because of its architectural merit, or because of its association with historical events or significant historical figures. 

Owners of listed buildings are obliged to maintain the building in reasonable condition, and to carry out any repairs and alterations using materials and methods that are sympathetic to the original characteristics of the building.  In some cases, the owners may be able to apply for grants and financial assistance for repairs from heritage and charitable organisations.

Swinfen Hall in Lichfield was designed by Benjamin Wyatt in 1755 for the Swinfen family, and remained in the family for the next two hundred years. When the family line discontinued in 1948 after the death of Michael Swinfen-Broun, the hall and estate passed to the Church and the City of Lichfield, and most of the land was sold off.

The hall stood empty for many years, and was granted listed building status in 1982. IT was acquired by private owners in 1987 and converted into a hotel, which recently closed down. It is not clear who is responsible for the illegal changes to the fabric of the building, but they could face significant legal penalties, including fines or even a jail sentence.

A spokesperson for Lichfield District Council commented: “Owning a listed building comes with the responsibility of conserving, maintaining and protecting it for the benefit of the public and future generations. This work has been done with complete disregard to that responsibility, and the law, and those behind the work could now face imprisonment.”

“Lichfield district is rich in history, often portrayed through our wonderful buildings, and the council will be robust in protecting them.”

The building’s Grade II* status means that it is in the top five per cent of protected listed buildings in the UK. The case highlights the importance of respecting the legislation so that buildings of significant cultural, historical and architectural value are protected for the benefit of society, community and tourist sector.