A property developer who carried out unauthorised work on a Grade II* listed building that houses a café in Stow-on-the-Wold have been hit with fines and costs of more than £25,000.

Moreton-in-Marsh based Digbeth Property Services pleaded guilty on Monday, July 22 to undertaking work without seeking permission.

They were fined £20,000 and ordered to pay Cotswold District Council costs of £5,651 and a £170 victim surcharge.

The work carried out on the St Edwards Café included destruction and replacement of sash windows and internal restorations.

Before commencing works, a Listed Building Consent application should have been made to Cotswold District Council so the impact of the works could be assessed.

The consent application also enables a full public consultation to allow comment on the proposals.

Cllr Joe Harris, leader of Cotswold District Council said: "The Cotswolds has more listed buildings than any other area in Britain and protecting them from harm is very important to us.

"We take this responsibility so seriously that we will take uncompromising action against anybody who tries to bypass the planning rules and damage our unique heritage."

The prosecution was undertaken by officers in the Heritage and Design and Planning Enforcement teams assisted by the Council's Counter Fraud Unit and Legal team.

Members of the public can contact the Council with any concerns at cdc@cotswold.gov.uk or fraud.referrals@cotswold.gov.uk