Licensee fined £8,000 for breach of planning law

A licensee taken to court by his local council for carrying out work on his Grade II-listed pub without permission has been fined over £8,000.

Terry Blakesley bought the Three Tuns in Bungay, Suffolk, in November last year, putting in new steel supports and removing a wall from the pub, which dates from 1540, to deal with a damp problem.

Blakesley had told Lowestoft Magistrates Court that he did not know the building was listed, but today the court ordered him to pay a £7,000 fine and £1,390 costs.

Waveney District Council, which had pressed for charges, said they were delighted with the decision.

Councillor Ken Sale, portfolio holder for environment with responsibility for planning, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of today's case and pleased that the judge has taken such a strong stance.

"Planning regulations are in place to protect our heritage, because once historic fabric is removed, it is gone forever. These rules exist to safeguard important buildings for future generations and they cannot simply be ignored.

"I would like to thank those officers involved for their hard work and hope this sends out a strong warning to those considering building work without seeking guidance and or permission."