London company fined for unlawful demolition in Moor Park Conservation Area

On 17 June 2026, at St Albans Magistrates Court, Escon Construction Ltd, registered in London, pleaded guilty to carrying out the substantial demolition of a residential property within the Moor Park Conservation Area without planning permission.

The company was ordered to pay a fine of £20,000, a victim surcharge of £2000 and £2500 of Three Rivers District Council’s costs incurred in bringing the prosecution.

The case was brought after planning officers were alerted to the substantial demolition of a property without planning permission, constituting a breach of section 196D(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Although the company had submitted a planning application to the council at the time the works were undertaken, the application was subsequently refused and that decision was later upheld on appeal.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “Officers have been working extremely hard and closely with owners and architects to ensure that development across the Moor Park Estate is sympathetic to, and preserves or enhances, the special character of the area.

“There have been significant pressures to extend properties within Moor Park to the point where their original character is compromised. In this instance, works progressed without any planning permission being in place, and unlawful demolition within a conservation area is a criminal offence.

“It was therefore right that the council brought this case to prosecution, and I hope it sends a clear message to others across the district that work should not commence until planning permission has been obtained.

“Our conservation areas are hugely important to our district, and the council is committed to protecting them.”