The High Court has ruled that Broxtowe Council acted unlawfully in granting listed building consent without notifying the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and offering it formal opportunity to comment.
Following legal action by the SPAB, the High Court has quashed the listed building consent that had been granted to developers of the Grade II* listed Willoughby Almshouses.
The SPAB welcomes the decision and hopes this will act as an important reminder to other councils of their statutory duty to notify the National Amenity Societies where applications involve the total or partial demolition of listed buildings, and to consider their advice.
The SPAB has written to Broxtowe Council and the applicant to offer discussion about constructive ways forwards for these unique Almshouses. It looks forward to working with all parties to find a sensitive scheme that can bring these locally treasured and nationally important buildings back into use.
The Willoughby Almshouses are an exceptionally fine example of 17th century almshouse buildings and an integral part of Cossall’s historic conservation area. Their Grade II* listing means they are in the top 8% of listed buildings in England and Wales.
Matthew Slocombe, Director of the SPAB, says: “We’re pleased that the High Court has quashed this listed building consent and upheld our right to be notified. As statutory consultees, we provide free, independent advice on the best ways to adapt and reuse old buildings for everyone’s benefit. We look forward to providing that advice in the case of the Willoughby Almshouses and to seeing these remarkable buildings brought back into use.”
