Because i am a total nerd, i looked into it and found out that it is a grade 2 listed building since 1974 when, according to the listing, the existing facade was only 16 years old.
The building itself, a terrace house from the second half of the 17th century, seems to have been converted in a warehouse at the end of the 19th century ... i assume the facade must have been modified then and hence the 1950s rebuild (i am not 100% sure though)
The listing states that the interior "retains panelling and dog leg turned baluster closed string staircase" and other feature which make it the only remaining original interior in the Oxendon-Panton-Orange Street area whic was laid out by Colonel Panton after 1664.
Now, my curiosity got hold of me (sounds like a great interior) and i investigated further...
However, I could not find any planning records to describe the interiors or any Listed building consent to demonstrate this is still the case. (Remember the listing was dated 1974)
This gives me an excuse to share some insight
For argument sake ... imagine that you buy such a property, a Listed Building, dont carry out due diligence or even receive the wrong information from your agent (which unfortunately i have seen happen many times) and modernise the interiors or exterior of the building without Listed Building Consent.
Do you know that you are committing a criminal offence? you could not only be prosecuted but the local authority could issue a Listed Building Enforcement Notice and demand you restore the building.
And here is the tricky part, if you have not being involved in the works or made any record of the original building condition, what would you base it on?
Well, that would be something you would need to deal with because failure to comply with an enforcement notice is itself an offence with a fine and the owner of the property is the one responsible for it.
Hence a word of advice... Take professional advice , don't be tempted to skip your statutory obligations when refurbishing and carry out your due diligence if you plan to purchase a recently renovated listed building.
