A landmark legal battle has culminated in Durham County Council imposing its largest ever financial penalty on the owners of a Grade II listed church, highlighting a significant crackdown on property neglect within the region’s heritage landscape. This unprecedented fine underscores the council’s firm stance against the deterioration of historically important structures, sending a clear message to property owners regarding their responsibilities.

The recipient of this substantial penalty is Purvis Construction NE Ltd, a Sunderland-based firm, which owns St Aidan’s Church in Blackhill. This once-prominent ecclesiastical building, now closed, has regrettably fallen into a severe state of disrepair, prompting persistent intervention from local authorities concerned about its future and impact on the community.

This week’s ruling marks the second time Durham County Council has pursued legal action against the company concerning the church’s dire condition. Magistrates heard compelling evidence detailing the company’s repeated failure to initiate or complete the necessary repair work, despite previous warnings and official directives aimed at preserving the historic asset.

The court’s decision to impose a daily penalty of £500 for each day that has elapsed since the initial prosecution reflects the severity of the neglect and the prolonged non-compliance. Furthermore, the company’s absence from court resulted in additional costs, elevating the total financial penalty to a staggering £134,800 in connection with the listed building.

The council’s diligent efforts to address the issue began in November 2023 when a Section 215 maintenance notice was formally served. This notice legally compelled Purvis Construction NE Ltd to undertake critical repairs, including rectifying the roof, clearing pipes, replacing windows, and cutting back invasive plant growth on the property, granting them a 16-week window for compliance.

Despite the clear directive, the company failed to respond to the notice within the stipulated timeframe, leading to their initial prosecution and a subsequent order to pay £10,000. By December 2024, the situation had severely worsened, with the church becoming neither wind nor watertight and significantly detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the surrounding area, prompting the council’s renewed legal pursuit.

Councillor Lyndsey Fox, the council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, articulated the depth of local concern, emphasizing St Aidan’s prime location in Blackhill and its inherent importance due to its heritage site status and placement within a local conservation area. She acknowledged the widespread distress among residents who view the old church as an integral part of their local identity.

Councillor Fox further expressed the council’s shared concerns and their proactive measures, including the serving of the enforcement notice. She concluded by commending the court’s rigorous approach to this latest prosecution, highlighting the satisfaction that such a significant church fine has been levied. This legal action serves as a potent deterrent for any property owners neglecting heritage assets in Durham.