• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Monday December 1 2025

Two firms fined £190,000 for unauthorised work to historic building

Two Bath companies have been fined a total of £190,000 for unauthorised work to a Grade I listed building in Bath.

Bath & North East Somerset Council prosecuted upmarket estate agent Knight Frank and building contractor Emery Brothers Ltd.

Knight Frank were fined £120,000 and Emery Brothers £70,000 respectively, plus costs, following sentencing at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on November 18.

The charges related to unauthorised alterations carried out at 4 Wood Street, Bath – part of a Grade I listed terrace constructed between 1729 and 1734 by renowned architect John Wood the Elder and now comprising of offices and shops.

The court heard that in July 2022, Knight Frank, a leaseholder of 4 Wood Street, proposed replacing the timber floor joists and stone wall tops citing safety concerns, but were advised by the council’s conservation officer that any works affecting historic fabric required listed building consent.

Despite this advice, Knight Frank instructed Emery Brothers Ltd to remove and replace the historic floor structure with modern materials, which was discovered on a site visit by the council in February 2023.

Knight Frank LLP and Emery Brothers Ltd admitted their involvement in the works, initially citing urgent safety concerns as justification.

After the council instructed expert evidence on this matter, the defendants changed their defence to claim the works did not require consent as they did not affect 4 Wood Street’s character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.

But following a two-day trial district judge Brereton was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the works did affect the character of 4 Wood Street and required listed building consent.

Councillor Matt McCabe, Bath Council cabinet member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “This prosecution demonstrates the council’s determination to uphold the law and protect the city’s historic buildings for future generations.

“Only 2.5 per cent of listed buildings in England hold Grade I status, which is a reflection of their exceptional importance and contribution to the double-inscripted World Heritage Site of Bath.

“I hope this outcome sends a clear message: we will look to hold those who ignore planning rules accountable.”

Image: Wood Street, Bath by Galvanick Lucipher, published under Creative Commons licence