A WORCESTER man has destroyed a 19th century glasshouse that was part of a Grade II listed building.
Duccio Latino Senese Baldi, of Cummins Farm Cottages, pleaded guilty at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on August 6 to carrying out the demolition.
A member of the public told Wychavon District Council on September 3 last year, that one of the two glasshouses at the Walled Garden, part of Westwood house, in Westwood Park, in Droitwich, was being torn down.
When officers went to the site they saw the structure had been almost entirely destroyed and found the glazed timber frames and broken glass had been thrown into a skip.
The 51-year-old jointly owns the Walled Garden property which resides on the grounds of the registered historic park, it is partly Baldi’s responsibility to maintain the upkeep and repairs of what is one of the most important properties in the area.
In 2005 the owners were given listed building planning permission to restore the glasshouses and build an architect designed house against the kitchen wall. This was subject to a legal agreement requiring the owners to carry out repairs and restoration work to the glasshouses, the kitchen garden and the 18th century garden wall.
Sue Marsh, Planning Solicitor at Wychavon District Council, said: “We are pleased with the outcome of this prosecution as it helps us to highlight the need to protect historical, listed properties in the district and the need for owners of such properties to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to preservation.”
Baldi was ordered to pay fines and court costs totalling £5,520 within 28 days. The glasshouse will now have to be rebuilt.
