Stop order amid 'demolition' fears for The Court after fire

Residents have raised concerns over works seen at The Court, in Rickmansworth Road between Chorleywood and Rickmansworth, since the as-yet-unexplained blaze in early February.

Today (July 23), Three Rivers District has confirmed it issued a temporary stop notice, which came into effect yesterday, prohibiting any work towards demolition of part or all of the building or alterations involving the removal of its internal or external fabric.

The Court from above prior to the fire (Image: Google Maps) The notice states it was made because it appears that works “have been and are being executed to a listed building in its area”, which contravene a rule requiring listed building consent.

On July 4, two members of the public apparently claimed to have seen demolition works with one directly observing forklift-type machinery demolishing parts of the building.

A planning officer therefore visited a few days later and formed the view that such works “had indeed occurred”. Many parts including the front door had been “badly damaged”, leaving the first floor “leaning”. A chimney was also “demolished” and the courtyard wall had been removed completely.

Gagan Mohindra MP (second from right) raised the building's plight in parliament earlier this year. Pictured with (L to R) Cllr Philip Hearn, Cllr Ciaran Reed, Cllr Oliver Cooper (Image: Gagan Modindra MP) One part "had, it appeared, been struck by machinery as there were visible cracks in the brickwork radiating from what appeared to be an impact point with bricks in the wall having been pushed inwards".

The fork-lift that had been described by witnesses was found, alongside “physical evidence that it had been utilised to undertake demolition works to the building”.

The document continued: “Having regard to the adverse effect of the works on the character of the building as one of special architectural and historic interest, the council consider it is expedient that the works be stopped immediately”.

This does not prevent access to the site but contravening a temporary stop notice is an offence. The notice lasts for 56 days, until September 15.

According to Savills, the “substantial Grade II listed country house” was “one of the most iconic properties in the area” and worth £3m. It was derelict at the time of the blaze.

Historic England, which first listed The Court in 1985, says it was built in 1911 or 1912 for the original producer of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest - George Alexander.

Conservative South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra called attention to the fire in parliament in March, urging the government to make sure listed buildings that are lost are “rebuilt brick by brick”.

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While the “unauthorised works” are being investigated, it is understood that necessary works to support and preserve the building were also done.

Three Rivers District Council is still awaiting a full report on the fire itself following the Herts Police investigation.

The force has confirmed it boosted patrols in the area as a precaution recently following members of the public claiming to have seen unauthorised access to the site being made.