Fine for restaurant owner after shop front removed

A RESTAURANT owner has been fined after removing an historic shop front.

Noyon Miahwas prosecuted for unauthorised works to a listed building in Tewkesbury.

The businessman made alterations to a 19th century Grade II listed building at 29 Barton Street which is home to Balti Palace. He pleaded guilty in a recent court hearing.

Mr Miah was ordered to pay more than £1,800 in costs and charges. He also “expressed remorse for his actions and resolved to work with the council to rectify the damage”, a council statement reveals.

Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Mel Gore, said: “I am delighted at the outcome of this case. Our successful prosecution demonstrates the council’s commitment to preserving Tewkesbury’s unique historic character and should convince others of the importance of observing the regulations governing Grade II status buildings.”

A Tewkesbury Borough Council statement adds: “On Wednesday, May 4 2022, Mr Noyon Miah, of West Bromwich, pleaded guilty to an offence under sections 7 and 9 of the Planning (Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 at Cheltenham Magistrates Court.

“He expressed remorse for his actions and resolved to work with the council to rectify the damage. The magistrates fined Mr Miah £1,107 reduced from £1,600 due to his early guilty plea. They also ordered him to pay £613 in costs and a victim surcharge of £110, taking the total Mr Miah has to pay to £1,830.”

The prosecution was brought by the borough council’s planning enforcement officers with assistance from the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit, which supports local authorities throughout Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire with investigations and prosecutions of criminal offences, and One Legal, the legal service shared by Cheltenham Borough, Gloucestershire County, Stroud District and Tewkesbury Borough councils.