Rochford District Council has taken action to protect a Grade II listed building in the heart of town centre after developers began unauthorised works.

The council was made aware on Wednesday, April 10, that structural works had taken place at the building, which is a prominent feature in the Market Square and had recently been sold to a new owner.

A site visit by planning officers revealed works had commenced on the building without obtaining the required Listed Building Consent.

Marcus Hotten, Rochford District Council’s Assistant Director for Environmental Services, said: “Undertaking works to a listed building without first obtaining the necessary consent is a serious matter.

“Works of this nature can cause harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset and will not be tolerated.”

The planning legislation prohibits carrying out works without consent from the council and it is understood there is no planning application that has been validated by planning officers.

Council officers observed damage had occurred to parts of the original fabric of the building and contractors were continuing to carry out work.

Barclay’s Bank, which was the town’s last bank branch, closed in October 2017 as part of a nationwide strategy by the company leaving many residents concerned about the lack of facilities in the town.

The council’s legal team initially submitted an application for an injunction to the County Court in Southend in a bid to restrain any further works to the building being carried out without first obtaining the necessary consent.

However, the owner has now cooperated with the council officers and a consent order was agreed by both parties on Wednesday April 17.

This order prevents any works for the demolition, alteration or extension of the building and to pay the council’s costs of £1,928.95.

Moving forward, the owner is now in discussions with the council and the Historic Building Advisor from Essex County Council.