Major penalty issued after damage to historic Exeter-area building

A man has been ordered to pay £38,000 after illegally stripping the interior of a Grade II* listed building on Topsham’s historic Strand.

The 17th-century property, listed since 1952, is considered one of the country’s most significant historic buildings, placing it within the top 8 per cent of protected structures nationally. 

Its architectural importance lies not only in its age but in its unusually well-preserved internal layout, features that officers say have now been severely damaged.

Despite being fully aware of the building’s protected status, and having been granted listed building consent for only limited works, Bruce Philipps oversaw the full removal of the interior, leaving the structure stripped back to bare brick. 

Floors were also removed down to the earth beneath the building.

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Carrying out unauthorised demolition, alteration or extension on a listed property is a criminal offence. 

Following prosecution, Bruce received a criminal conviction and a £30,000 fine (reduced to £20,000 due to a guilty plea) along with £16,000 in costs payable to Exeter City Council and a £2,000 government surcharge. 

The total penalty amounts to £38,000.

Exeter City Council officers are now working to ensure the building is restored to its previous condition.

Cllr Susannah Patrick, Lead Councillor for City Development, said: “This is one of the most serious cases of harm to a listed building that our officers have ever encountered.” 

“Exeter’s heritage is a priceless and irreplaceable asset, and we have a clear responsibility to protect it. When individuals disregard legal protections and cause deliberate or reckless damage, we will not hesitate to pursue formal enforcement action.”

The council says the case highlights the strict legal protections surrounding listed buildings - ranging from Grade I, including Exeter Cathedral, to Grade II* and Grade II - and the consequences of carrying out unauthorised works on historically important sites.