Council secures £76k fine for developer who ignored heritage planning conditions

A company and its director have been prosecuted for failing to comply with two Breach of Condition Notices secured by Telford & Wrekin Council concerning work carried out on a grade ii listed pub within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

Telford Magistrates court ordered the firm, Millenium Enterprises Ltd, and its sole director, Amratpal Singh, to pay a combined total of £76,120 in fines after the firm failed to comply with planning conditions aimed at protecting the architectural and historical significance of the site.

Planning permission was granted in 2014 and 2015 for work to convert the former Crown Inn pub into apartments, alongside the construction of additional dwellings on adjacent land.

The former pub and the adjacent land is situated within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, an area south of Telford which is described by UNESCO as being "known throughout the world as the symbol of the Industrial Revolution".

Millenium, which carried out the work, was hit with the breach of condition notices in 2020.

One notice said the firm failed to meet a condition that required it to submit samples or details of all external materials and finishes of the building to the council before starting work.

The council also said a condition on landscaping had been breached and that the developer had breached a further condition aimed at ensuring the work is undertaken in accordance with the deposited plans and drawings.

According to Telford Council, the magistrates court recognised the dangerous precedent that non-compliance within a sensitive and historically significant area could set for future developments, and stressed the importance of adhering to the planning conditions that safeguard Telford’s heritage.

Councillor Richard Overton (Lab) Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Enforcement, and Transport at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “This outcome sends a strong message that Telford & Wrekin Council will not tolerate breaches of planning regulations, particularly in areas of such historical importance.

"The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site is of global significance, and we will continue to ensure that all developments within this area preserve its unique character.

"We are pleased that the court has recognised the seriousness of these breaches and has taken appropriate action.”

Adam Carey