Agenda item

(Safer, Greener & Transport Portfolio Holder) To consider the attached report (C-003-2016/17).

(1)        That the potential courses of action which could be taken to prevent further neglect of the listed building and return it to a good state of repair be noted; and

(2)        That the proposal to pursue appropriate action to preserve the listed building, including the service of appropriate notices and enforcement, be supported and agreed.

The Portfolio Holder for Safer, Greener & Transport presented a report on the neglect of the grade II listed building, Thrift Cottage in Waltham Abbey.

The Portfolio Holder reminded the Cabinet that, due to growing concern over the poor condition of the grade II listed Thrift Cottage and the potential threat of demolition, a report had been requested outlining the potential courses of action the Council could take to prevent further neglect, return it to a good state of repair, and secure its future maintenance. Thrift Cottage was a grade II listed building predominantly dating from the early 19^th century, incorporating 18^th century fabric and with late 19^th and 20^th century alterations. It was timber-framed, clad in pebble-dash render under a part plain tile, part pan tile roof. The property neighboured Thrift Hall, also an early 19^th century grade II listed building. Both properties were listed in 1974. The cottage was renovated in the early 21^st century, but had been vacant since 1997. Since then it had suffered from a lack of maintenance, leading to water ingress and damage to the historic structure and internal finishes, the failure of the cement based render, vandalism, and the demolition of a single storey rear extension. It was now in very poor condition.

The Portfolio Holder stated that the local planning authority was equipped with certain statutory powers which could be used to secure the future of listed buildings. However, guidance from Historic England suggested that, as a first step, owners should be requested in writing to carry out the necessary works and informed of the local authority’s powers if they failed to do so. If this was not sufficient to remedy the situation then the guidance recommended that the relevant provisions of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, or the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, be set out in writing to the owner and a site meeting requested. Following the site meeting, a further letter should be sent outlining a draft schedule of repairs considered necessary and a date for the service of a notice if the works were not carried out.

Local Members for Waltham Abbey expressed their support and delight at the proposed action. Members of the Cabinet understood the economic pressures on owners of listed buildings, but Waltham Abbey was a tourist area within the District and the Council should be seen to be taking the proper steps. The Portfolio Holder reassured the Cabinet that Officers were aware of the need to resolve the situation as swiftly as possible.

Decision:

(1)        That the potential courses of action which could be taken to prevent further neglect of the listed building and return it to a good state of repair be noted; and

(2)        That the proposal to pursue appropriate action to preserve the listed building, including the service of appropriate notices and enforcement, be supported and agreed.

Reasons for Decision:

As a grade II listed building, Thrift Cottage was considered to be of national importance as well as being of local historic and architectural interest. It had remained unoccupied since 1997 and was in a poor state of repair. Options of retention, conversion and demolition had been pursued by the owner, but the building had remained neglected.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

It was likely that an application to demolish the building would be submitted in the near future. If no decision was made on what action to take then the potential loss of the building would be assessed during the planning process.