Listed building in Swindon at centre of a planning dispute over alleged unauthorised roof works
Swindon Borough Council say Stonesfield stone slates have been removed from 36 High Street, damaging it's historical value
A listed building in Swindon has become the centre of a planning dispute over alleged unauthorised roof works.
The enforcement action concerns land at 36 High Street in Highworth, a Grade II-listed property within the Highworth Conservation Area.
Swindon Borough Council issued a formal notice earlier this month, following alleged unauthorised alterations to the roofs, which they say have damaged the building’s architectural and historic value.
The notice states that original Stonesfield stone slates were removed from the first floor roof and replaced with blue slate tiles, without Listed Building consent.
This change, according to the council, has caused harm to the character and appearance of the Grade II listed building and fails to preserve the appearance and character of the Highworth Conservation Area.
The ground floor canopy roof, which previously featured concrete pantiles, was also altered during the alleged unauthorised works.
However, the council is focusing enforcement action solely on the first floor roof.
The notice states: “To provide a proportionate and reasonable resolution in light of the facts of this particular case, the Council is seeking formal remedial action under this Enforcement Notice solely at first floor roof level to reinstate the traditional Stonesfield stone slates.”
The council says the harm caused by the works is not outweighed by any public benefit and is contrary to both the Swindon Borough Local Plan and national planning policy.
Under the terms of the notice, the property owner is required to submit a physical sample and specification of the reclaimed Stonesfield stone slates to the Local Planning Authority’s Design and Conservation Department within 28 days of the notice taking effect, to be used in the reinstatement works.
A detailed Method Statement outlining the installation method must also be provided.
The owner must then remove the blue slate tiles from the first floor roof and reinstate the roof with Stonesfield stone slates within nine months of the notice taking effect.
The replacement roof must match the previous design and mirror the roofing appearance of the adjacent building.
The enforcement notice is due to take effect on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, unless an appeal is lodged before that date.
Property owners have the right to appeal the notice through the Planning Inspectorate, which acts on behalf of the Secretary of State.
If no appeal is made and the owner fails to comply with the notice, the council may pursue prosecution and/or remedial action.