40 C O N T E X T 1 0 5 : J U LY 2 0 0 8 Simon Robertshaw Prosecution, enforcement and reconstruction Enforcement action provoked by extensive unauthorised works to a listed country house in Monmouthshire seems likely to lead to positive reconstruction. In November 2006 a phone call from a member of the public revealed that unauthorised work was under way at the Grondra. It was to be the start of a long process that still continues. The initial refusal of entry, followed by the gaining of a warrant, followed by a further refusal of entry, eventually resulted in a site meeting in December. Inspection revealed the extent of the unauthorised work. No listed building, planning or building regulation consent had been obtained for any of the work. The Grondra was listed relatively recently, in 2001. At the time the listing officer stated that the house originated in the late 18th century and was extended and altered in the mid 19th century, retaining good details from both periods. The first house on the site appears to have been the small, probably 17th century cottage that was arranged over two floors, with the first floor being partially set within the roof frame. A separate detached Georgian house that overlooked the gardens was built in the 18th century. In the late Georgian period, around 1840-60, the last phase of development took place. A single storey addition was added, connecting the two buildings, so creating the small country house that had until recently been left largely unaltered. It is understood that the property, its former ancillary buildings and some 58 acres had been purchased for a figure just in excess of £2 million. The owner, a local businessman, had apparently spent some two years and around £750,000 carrying out works to the building. Despite being given written advice of the need to obtain the relevant consents, the owner proceeded with a grand scheme of reorganisation, reconstruction and remodelling. The unauthorised development consisted of: • Demolitionof internal and external walls,the creation of new openings, reorientation of accommodation, addition of out of character and inappropriate classical details, replacement of floors, and removal of historic joinery. In short, the removal of a substantial portion of the building’s historic character. • Covering an open courtyard with a large modern glazed roof. • Complete remodelling of the cottage that predated the house.This building was given a classical makeover, with windows being repositioned and its ridgeline increased in height from one-and-a-half storeys to a full two. A large amount of historic fabric was removed. • With regard to the Grondra’s hillside setting, a significant amount of soil had been removed to create room for a six-bay garage with first floor accommodation and a swimming pool. • A large new single-storey wing had been built to the side of the main Georgian elevation overlooking the formal gardens. In the absence of any application or dialogue, and given the extent of unauthorised work, the decision was taken to prosecute the owner. At the magistrates court the owner pleaded guilty. On considering the case the magistrates felt that their sentencing powers were insufficient. The case was transferred to crown court for sentencing. During the legal process that ensued the advice given to the owner was that he should instruct a reputable conservation architect to draft a listed building consent application in an attempt to make good the damage done.The architect chosen, following recommendations from Cadw and Monmouthshire County Council, was Michael Davies of Davies Sutton Architects. The client/customer relationship was inevitably going to be an unusual one. During initial discussions it was clearly stated by the architect that it was essential that the plans be drafted in line with good conservation practice if he was to take up the commission. Michael Davies’ brave decision was a key to the success of the process. In July 2007 the case went before Cardiff Crown The original Georgian facade, now with painted quoin stones, and (far right) the new, partially built, garage with the covered courtyard and much-altered cottage beyond.
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