An 'important' grade II listed building in Penzance has been save from further deterioration after Cornwall Council stepped in to make repairs, and make the owner pay.
Efforts by Cornwall Council to secure the future of 18 Chapel Street, a Grade II Listed building within the Penzance Conservation Area, have resulted in the successful sale of the upper part of the building and the council’s expenses being repaid from the proceeds.
Cornwall Council’s Empty Homes Team has been leading the project, which included input from planning enforcement, conservation, and legal esxperts at the authority.
The aim was to protect the building in the short term while issues around its future repair and use are resolved.
Working in partnership with its contractor CORMAC Solutions Ltd, the Council carried out emergency repairs to the building earlier this year after an 'urgent works notice' was served and the owners at that time failed to carry out the work.
Nicola Stinson, Cornwall Council’s assistant head of planning, said: “There were concerns about the deteriorating condition of the building, principally caused by water coming in through the badly holed roof and penetration through the building. The council had to step in when the owners failed to carry out the works.
"Due to legislative constraints and government guidance, the works were necessarily limited to emergency repairs to protect and preserve the building, and prevent it from getting worse, pending a longer term solution. Unfortunately, for the time-being the appearance of the building remains run-down, but as a result of the recent works, it is stable, weatherproof, and secure.”
The council is now continuing its efforts to secure the building’s future and contact has been made with the new owners.
Nicola adds: “The owners have said that they plan to carry out further temporary repair works shortly while a detailed scheme for the repair and reuse of the building is prepared. Subject to planning and other controls, it is hoped that work on the scheme will start in 2015.”
Cornwall councillor for Penzance central, Cornelius Olivier, said: “I am very pleased that the council was prepared to engage in the complex and protracted procedures needed to help resolve this situation. Some of the problems of urban decay in Penzance and other towns are due to the irresponsible and short-sighted behaviour of property owners, in such cases council intervention is exactly what’s needed.”
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