FRUSTRATION is mounting among Trowbridge councillors who say that historic Courtfield House is being ‘run into the ground’ as Wiltshire Council and it’s new owner are failing to look after it properly.

For more than a year, Cllr Glyn Bridges has contacted the authority, because ridge tiles have been falling off the Grade II Listed building in Polebarn Road.

Despite Ashford Homes buying the building six months ago, he says both they and Wiltshire Council have done nothing to make the house, which dates back to 1754, wind and weather proof.

“Wiltshire Council can serve notice on owners to make it wind and weather proof, by sending a letter or giving them a reminder to make it safe, and they haven’t done it and that is appalling,” he said.

“Windows are smashed and ridge tiles are falling off and yet it seems nobody can be bothered to get off their backside. This is a beautiful old building that needs to be looked after.”

Cllr Graham Payne added: “We don’t want our historic buildings deteriorating.” The building has been empty since 2011.

Ashford Homes’s development director, Tom Griffiths, said: “Regrettably, the fabric of Courtfield House has suffered from many years of under-investment and neglect.Since taking ownership we have surveyed the building and carried out temporary measures to ensure its short-term stability.

"We have also implemented security patrols to deter intruders who have stripped lead from the gutters and valleys, leaving the building exposed to ingress of water.

"Meanwhile, we have instructed a design team, including an architect with significant experience in the reinstatement and conversion of historic buildings, to develop a scheme to support the sympathetic residential refurbishment and conversion of the Grade II* Listed building.

"The accompanying Listed Building Application requires the preparation of a significant number of expert reports which are currently being finalised. In addition, we have also liaised with both Historic England and Wiltshire Council’s conservation officers, while drawing on our expertise of similar projects that have been completed in the local area, including the highly-regarded renovation of the former Berryfield Hospital in Bradford on Avon.

“It is proposed that a detailed planning application will be submitted in the next few weeks.” We can then look forward to developing our longstanding working relationship with Wiltshire Council’s planning department to deliver a scheme which will ensure the renovation and preservation of this fine listed building on this historically sensitive and important site in the centre of Trowbridge.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “The site was recently bought by a developer. Both ourselves and Historic England have visited the property and we are in ongoing discussions with the owners and Historic England to ensure the future security of the building.”