Following a devastating fire at a Grade II listed building in Chorleywood earlier this year, concerns have been raised about activity at the site.
The fire broke out at The Court on Rickmansworth Road on Sunday, February 9, and caused significant damage to the historic building.
Herts Police confirmed to Chorleywood News that there is no further update at this time and the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
However, last month, councillors were alerted to “suspicious” activity at The Court. This included demolition works being carried out on the building and the removal of the courtyard wall, despite no works having been authorised.
On Monday, July 7, a Planning Officer carried out a visual inspection of the building and observed the destruction of the front of the building. The front door and stone surrounds were badly damaged and the first floor was now leaning. In addition, the courtyard wall had been removed completely.
The Planning Officer also noted the presence of a forklift/telehandler machine and physical evidence that it had been used to undertake demolition works of the building.
Three Rivers District Council subsequently issued a Temporary Stop Notice, which came into force on Tuesday, July 22, and lasts until Monday, September 15. The notice prohibits the carrying out any works for the demolition of the building (or any part of it) or for its alteration by the removal of its internal and external fabric. The notice does not prevent anyone from accessing the site.
The notice has been displayed on the building and copies of it have been sent via email and post to the owner.
Photo: Deborah Chambre Young
Why is every body so nieve. Classic case of oh dear my small house on a big plot burnt down and now I need to build three hideous mock Tudor mantions to replace them. Or some thing naturally hideous like that box with colours windows on Rickmansworth Road
I love the box with coloured windows