Knight Frank and Emery Brothers Prosecuted for Unauthorised Building Alterations  

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03 December 2025

Knight Frank and Emery Brothers have been fined £190k for delivering unauthorised works to a Grade I listed building in Bath.

A Magistrates Court found that the works affected the character of Number 4 Wood Street, Bath, part of a Grade I listed terrace constructed between 1729 and 1734, as a building of special architectural or historic interest. 

The unauthorised alterations were carried out between 1 June 2022 and 4 February 2023. In July 2022, Knight Frank, a leaseholder of 4 Wood Street, proposed replacing the timber floor joists and stone wall tops, citing safety concerns. Bath & North East Somerset’s Council Conservation Officer advised that any works affecting historic fabric required listed building consent. 

"I hope this outcome sends a clear message: we will look to hold those who ignore planning rules accountable.” 

–Councillor Matt McCabe

Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development

However, Knight Frank instructed Emery Brothers Ltd to remove and replace the historic floor structure with modern materials. This was discovered on a site visit by the council in February 2023.

A press release from the council reads: “Knight Frank LLP and Emery Brothers Ltd admitted their involvement in the works, initially citing urgent safety concerns as justification. After the council instructed expert evidence on this matter, the defendants changed their defence to claim the works did not require consent as they did not affect 4 Wood Street’s character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.”

Over the course of two days, District Judge Brereton was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the works did affect the character of 4 Wood Street and required listed building consent, finding both defendants guilty of an offence under Section 7 and 9 of The Planning (Listed buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. 

Knight Frank’s culpability was deemed to be “reckless”, and they were fined £120,000. Emery Brothers’ culpability was ruled as “negligent”, and they were fined £70,000. 

Both companies were also ordered to pay £2,000 in court surcharges and the council’s full costs, split as £40,000 for Knight Frank and £20,000 for Emery Brothers.

Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, said: “This prosecution demonstrates the council’s determination to uphold the law and protect the city’s historic buildings for future generations. 

“Only 2.5 per cent of listed buildings in England hold Grade I status, which is a reflection of their exceptional importance and contribution to the double-inscripted World Heritage Site of Bath. I hope this outcome sends a clear message: we will look to hold those who ignore planning rules accountable.” 

Picture: a photograph of a brown wooden gavel on a wooden table. Image Credit: Pexels

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 03 December 2025

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