Builders have started converting a Grade II-listed building in Royston, despite not having the correct planning permission.

The controversial plans to revamp the historic property arose at Royston Town Council’s planning committee on Monday, after it emerged that retrospective permission was being sought for a new bathroom suite and kitchen units which had already been installed, as well as extensive repairs.

Permission was also being sought to create further vehicle access and retain a car park already built.

Royston councillors voiced concern that they had been given too little information and said it was a “contentious issue”.

They voted unanimously to defer their response to North Hertfordshire District Council until more information on the property was provided.

Cllr Lyn Berry, chairman of the planning committee, said: “I think it is a very contentious issue.

“To be concise, both of these applications need a lot more information that we have not got at the moment.”

Cllr F John Smith added: “The danger if we were to object is that we will be without sufficient information.”

A statement from the builder who has taken on the job at the London Road home said he had exposed an original set of timbers from the vaulted ceiling and repaired walls which had been “poorly plastered”, as well as re-wired the house.

In the dining room he had removed rotten plasterboard from the walls and ceiling and cleaned timbers and rebuilt a brick wall which was leaning “excessively”.

In the lounge, he had also removed plaster and repaired a wall with fibreglass and rebuilt the top section of the chimney.

Cllr Tom Brindley, NHDC’s portfolio holder for planning, transport and enterprise, said:  “We receive a number of retrospective planning applications every year and they are subject to assessment by the same strict criteria as with any application.

“In the case of the site at London Road, a fair amount of internal work has been carried out and we will need to make a judgement as to whether that has adversely affected the character of this listed building.”