The Shambles, Lutterworth

Key Project Information

• Restoration of thatched Grade II listed pub following a catastrophic fire
  
• Responsive collaborative effort to secure Listed Building Consent and achieve restoration in one year 
  

The day after disaster struck the Shambles pub in February 2023, we advised Marston’s on what needed to happen to start the process of repairing the building. 

We liaised with the local planning authority, gathering evidence and preparing the supporting heritage reports to build the comprehensive case for the building’s reconstruction. 

The process was thorough and efficient. We secured Listed Building Consent within eight weeks of submission, in October 2023, and only eight months following the fire.  

The restoration was completed in March 2024, just a year after the devastating fire destroyed the original building.

Challenges overcome

Harborough District Council doesn’t have a conservation officer in post, so our role was two-fold. 

First and foremost, we represented our client’s interests. 

But in order to secure a robust decision, we also had to be fully mindful of the legal requirements and duties of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. That meant ensuring the local planning authority’s statutory duties during the decision-making process were adhered to and, once work started, monitoring activities on site to ensure that the contractors worked within the legal framework too.

Scheme benefits

The speed at which the restoration process was carried out was vitally important. The project team’s responsiveness prevented the building becoming a long-term building at risk or a blight on the surrounding conservation area or local businesses. What’s more, it has ensured the community has its historic pub restored and back into use as fast as possible.  

The project demonstrates that with effective, expert advisors, a decisive building owner that acts fast and excellent communication between all specialists, contractors, loss adjustors and the local planning authority, listed buildings can be speedily restored. 

Thanks to all those involved, including Baytreebuild, Smith and Roper Architects, Sedgewicks, Allan Reynolds, Harborough District Council and, of course, Marston’s PLC. This project is an excellent demonstration of what can be achieved when all parties communicate openly and work together positively.