High Court ruled Broxtowe Council listed building consent unlawful

Following legal action taken by SPAB, the High Court has rescinded the listed building consent of Willoughby Almshouses which was granted to developers earlier this year.

A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council said: “Following on from the legal proceedings the listed building consent decision has been quashed and any future applications will be dealt with accordingly.”

In February, Broxtowe Council was looking to agree to plans which would allow for the redevelopment of the Almshouses. The plans reportedly sought to remove several internal walls and add new entrances at the back of the homes, sealing up the front doors. They also intended to add large extensions and a car park in the garden space where residents once grew vegetables.

Under planning law, organisations such as Historic England need to be consulted on applications for listed building consent, however, Broxtowe Council failed to seek this advice which opened the possibility of judicial review.

The Willoughby Almshouses are considered to be a Grade II* building meaning that it is a particularly important building of more than special interest. This listing means the houses are in the top 8 per cent of listed buildings in England and Wales.

Willoughby Almshouses were built in the Cossall, Nottinghamshire in 1685 and were originally meant to house four single poor men over 60 years old and four single poor women over 55-years-old.

The SPAB has written to Broxtowe Council and the applicant to offer discussion about constructive ways forward for the Almshouses and intends to work with all parties to find a scheme that can bring the buildings back into use.

Matthew Slocombe, director of the SPAB, says: “We’re pleased that the High Court has quashed this listed building consent and upheld our right to be notified. As statutory consultees, we provide free, independent advice on the best ways to adapt and reuse old buildings for everyone’s benefit. We look forward to providing that advice in the case of the Willoughby Almshouses and to seeing these remarkable buildings brought back into use.”