Man fined for ignoring council's queries about use of listed Cirencester building

FAILING to respond to a council's queries over his use of a listed building has landed a 64-year-old man with a £615 bill.

Frank Faryab did not reply to Cotswold District Council's questions about his use of Dollar Street House in Cirencester, after it was told he may be carrying out unauthorised alterations.

The council had also been told Faryab was using the Grade II listed building as a residence, which contravenes its permitted use as an office.

When council officers attempted to make contact with Faryab, who lives in Oxford Street, Malmesbury, and served him with a planning contravention order, they received no reply. 

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Faryab was fined £150 and ordered to pay £450 towards the council's legal costs and a £15 victim surcharge at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Monday, following a trial.

Speaking after the trial, council cabinet member for planning, Councillor Sue Jepson, said: "It is a criminal offence when someone fails to respond to communications from the council over a considerable period.

"He clearly obstructed our officers' attempts to investigate the claims being made about his conduct. 

"They will continue to look into this matter and I trust that they will now get more cooperation from Mr Faryab."