ILLEGAL alterations to many of Beverley’s historic listed buildings are out of control, leaving the town a shambles, planners have been told.

Former property developer John Dawson has accused East Riding Council’s planning department of ignoring complaints about unauthorised changes to historic buildings in the town.

Mr Dawson, who now runs a historical research company called Ancestry Hunters, has complained about more than 200 alleged illegal alterations.

His concerns are shared by town civic society leaders who say damage is being caused to the character of the town, which could impact on tourism.

Unauthorised alterations such as the erection of signs, satellite dishes, plastic guttering and UPVC windows are going unchecked.

Mr Dawson said: “Unlike the manicured York Shambles, Beverley’s listed buildings have been allowed to deteriorate with unbelievable levels of illegal development, which is now totally out of control.”

Despite complaints over the alleged illegal alterations over the past 18 months, Mr Dawson said there was no evidence planners had secured a single rectification.

He said: “An average of 70 per cent of listed buildings surveyed by ourselves had illegal developments to their front elevations and in the area of Beckside the figure was 95 per cent.”

Ancestry Hunters has now produced a database of all listed buildings in the town, together with a high definition photograph and ordinance survey location.

Mr Dawson said a CD, now available on ancestryhunters.com website, was offered to the council but it did not respond.

Using the database, Ancestry Hunters approached two owners with unauthorised alterations and Mr Dawson said these were rectified on a voluntary basis.

He said: “We were repeatedly informed by the council nothing could be done regarding these two properties yet we succeeded with very little effort.”

Stephen Hunt, East Riding Council’s interim head of planning and development management, said: “The council understands the concerns Mr Dawson has raised about Beverley’s built heritage.

“The authority endeavours to ensure development proposals preserve the character and appearance of our historic towns and villages when considering applications for planning and listed building consent.

“Despite limited resources, the council is committed to trying to resolve issues involving listed buildings across the East Riding and will pursue enforcement action where appropriate.”

‘No will to do anything’

Professor Barbara English, of Beverley and District Civic Society, said her group shares the concerns about illegal alterations to the town’s listed buildings.

She said: “It gradually degrades the historic buildings.

“The council has not got nearly enough staff to deal with it. There is no will to do anything about it.

“When we are dumped with 3,000 bland new houses in Beverley it will be increasingly crucial the historic core of the town is protected.”