Worthing Council to prosecute McCarthy & Stone over alleged planning law breach

The alleged offences refer to Elm Lawn House, a listed building which is being converted into two apartments in connection with the company's care-assisted living complex.

A decision to prosecute was made by the council's development control committee on Tuesday (March 31).

Committee chairman John Livermore said in a statement that the council was "appalled" at the alleged breach of the planning laws.

"The development was allowed at appeal, partly on the basis that the historic building on the site would be restored, and the company's promises that the renovation of the building would be undertaken sympathetically.

"I hope the decision of the development control committee will send out a strong message that the council will not tolerate work being undertaken to listed buildings without the necessary consents in place".

An officers' report said: "Council officers are not satisfied that the submitted evidence proves the windows were unsalvageable.

"Due to the removal of the windows and their subsequent disposal, it has not been possible for council officers to verify the conclusions of the joinery firm.

"In any event, listed building consent should still have been obtained prior to the removal of the windows and floors."

A McCarthy & Stone spokesman said: "It always was our intention, and still is, to replace these units with high-quality timber frames on a light-for-light basis.

"It is purely a procedural error, in that the conservation officer did not have a chance to visit."

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