HISTORIC ENGLAND CONFIRMS PERMISSION NOT REQUIRED

HERITAGE bosses have said that Plymouth City Council didn't need listed building consent before carrying out works on West Hoe Pier before it was severely damaged in a storm.

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

Last week, news website Plymouth Plus claimed the authority had carried out work on the Grade II listed structure without consent prior to a large section of it collapsing earlier this month.

But Historic England, the public body which looks after the nation's heritage, has now said it would have been up to the council to decide if consent was needed - and it is not generally required.

A Historic England spokesperson told The Herald: “We are sorry to hear of the severe damage to Grade II listed West Hoe Pier during Storm Bram.

“Listed Building Consent is not generally required for like-for-like repairs to listed structures. It is the responsibility of the local planning authority, in this case Plymouth City Council, to determine whether consent is required.