Developer prosecuted after historic cottage torn down in East Hampshire village
It was protected from demolition as part a Conservation Area.
Last updated 27th May 2021
East Hampshire District Council say they will "fight to make sure heritage properties are respected and preserved" after a developer tore down a protected cottage in the area.
It follows a prosecution brought by the council, after an historic building was flattened in the village of East Meon on 12 March 2020.
The brick-built cottage, at 2-3 Chapel Street, dated back to the late 1800s and was protected from demolition as part a Conservation Area.
The developer, a local man from the village, had been advised it had structural issues.
He pleaded guilty to an offence under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act.
He was fined ÂŁ1,000 and ordered to pay ÂŁ2,000 in costs and a ÂŁ181 victim surcharge.
Cllr Ingrid Thomas, EHDC Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Quality, said: "The harm caused by the demolition of this beautiful building is clear and significant. It is in a prominent place in the centre of the village and the impact it has had on the character of the area is significant.
"Charming properties like this one are part of what makes East Meon so special, and we will fight to make sure they are respected and preserved.
"It is very sad that this historic building has now gone forever and, although it will be replaced, it cannot be recreated.
"EHDC has a duty to protect our built heritage and we will prosecute breaches of planning law where they arise."