By Harry Mottram: An estate agent and an associated firm have been fined £190,000 for carrying out unauthorised work on a Grade 1 property in Wood Street which affected its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.
The council said Knight Frank LLP and Emery Brothers Ltd were fined £120,000 and £70,000 respectively, plus costs, following sentencing at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on 18 November 2025, after being found guilty on 15 October 2025 of offences under Sections 7 and 9 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. And the council added that the charges related to unauthorised alterations carried out between 1 June 2022 and 4 February 2023 to Number 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.
Journalist Andrew Lee of Somerset Confidential commented: “Start messing about with a Georgian terrace in the centre of Bath and if the council are not all over it like a rash, there will be letters to the Times – or at least Private Eye.”
Number 4 Wood Street just off Queen Square is part of a Georgian terrace of buildings built by architect John Wood the Elder, between 1729 and 1734 in the reign of George II. The council reported that in July 2022, Knight Frank LLP, 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 LLP 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.
The council said that Knight Frank LLP and Emery Brothers Ltd admitted their involvement in the works, initially citing urgent safety concerns as justification. And having heard evidence over two days, including evidence from two expert witnesses for the council, one of whom was a Conservation Officer, District Judge Brereton was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the works did affect the character of 4 Wood Street and required listed building consent. On the basis of this evidence, the Judge found both defendants guilty of an offence under Section 7 and 9 of The Planning (Listed buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. District Judge Brereton found Knight Frank’s culpability to be reckless and they were fined £120,000. The District Judge found Emery Brothers guilty and they were fined £70,000.
Both companies were ordered to pay £2,000 in court surcharges and the council’s full costs, split as £40,000 for Knight Frank and £20,000 for Emery Brothers.
Councillor Matt McCabe, 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% 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.”
Anyone who suspects unauthorised works to a listed building should report their concerns to the Planning Enforcement team.
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
Bath Voice Monthly Newspaper is distributed free to thousands of homes and some supermarkets – distributed from the first of the month. Harry Mottram is the News Editor
Email him at news@bathvoice.co.uk Bath website: https://bathvoice.co.uk/news/
Bath Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/bdtf2kep Also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bath_voice And Bluesky @bathvoicenews.bsky.social And also on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harrymottram6/
Read the newspaper online at :https://issuu.com/bathvoice
To advertise to thousands of Bathonians call Shaun on 07540 383870 or email him on sales@bathvoice.co.uk