News- Construction firm fined £10,000 for failing to repair Grade II listed church

St Aidan's Church in Blackhill, near Consett, has fallen into such a state of disrepair that is no longer wind or watertight and is having a negative impact on the appearance of the surrounding area.

Magistrates in Peterlee heard how, in November 2023, we served a Section 215 maintenance notice on Purvis Construction NE Ltd, which has owned the freehold of St Aidan's Church since 2017.

The notice required the company to carry out repairs to the building's roof, including replacing or fixing broken and missing slates, lead flashings and ridge tiles. It also required that gutters, downpipes, troughs and pipe works be cleared and repaired; missing or defective window security screenings be replaced; and for overgrown trees or shrubs on the boundary of the property to be cut back.

Failed to comply

However, Purvis Construction NE Ltd, which is based in New Silksworth, Sunderland, failed to comply with the notice within the 16-week period. Furthermore, no-one from the company responded to any of our attempts to discuss the matter, including a letter sent in June explaining that we were taking the matter to court.

Purvis Construction NE Ltd did not send a representative to the hearing and the case was proved in its absence. Magistrates issued a £10,000 fine and awarded costs totalling £230 to the council, to be paid within 28 days.

A serious matter

Stephen Reed, our planning manager, said: "St Aidan's Church is no longer in use, but it remains a listed building and prominent landmark within a conservation area. The fact it's been allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair not only poses a risk of further damage to the inside of the building but has resulted in it becoming an eyesore that detracts from the vibrancy of the local area.

"Court proceedings are always a last resort, but it was the only option left in this instance. We contacted the owner multiple times to advise on what repairs were needed and discuss the best way forward. However, Purvis Construction NE Ltd failed to engage with us and failed to comply with the Section 215 notice which is a criminal offence.

"We hope the level of fine imposed by the magistrates demonstrates how seriously the council and the courts take such matters."