Two home-owners, including a member of the Council, have been prosecuted by Wealden District Council for causing “irreversible changes” to a Grade 2 listed building. The changes to the 14th Century building, known as The Priest House which is in Hellingly, included the creation of a full height entrance hall through removal of ceilings and partitions, affecting the area for where there is anecdotal evidence for a priest hole; glazing of a partition; and removal of the barley twist bannisters and associated bannister rail to the staircase and replacing them with glazed panels.

Cllr Barby Dashwood-Morris, of the Priest House, Church Lane, Hellingly, pleaded guilty to six charges of causing works to be executed, for the alteration of the Grade II listed building, without obtaining the proper consent from the Council. Alan Proudfoot, of Goult in France pleaded guilty to four charges of making alterations to a listed building.

“The changes to this important listed building came to light when the owners attempted to sell the property,” said Kelvin Williams, Wealden’s District Council’s Head of Planning and Environmental Services. “Owners of historic properties should be aware of their responsibilities to the property and future generations. We will take action when necessary to protect the important heritage of our District.”

The District Judge at Brighton Magistrates Court on 3 May fined Cllr Dashwood-Morris £75,000 and ordered her to pay £40,000 towards the Council’s costs. Alan Proudfoot was fined £48,000 and was also ordered to pay £40,000 costs.