DUDLEY planners have thrown out a belated bid for planning permission to put rendered cladding on a listed building in the town centre, branding the changes “vandalism”.

The application, which went before Dudley’s development control committee on Monday June 8, sought retrospective planning permission and listed building consent to install external cladding with a rendered finish on a Grade II listed building in Vicar Street, which is divided into two flats.

But councillors were appalled at changes made to the historic 19th century building in advance of permission being granted, which a report to the committee said “resulted in a loss of decorative architectural features” and completely altered the main entrance to the property - located just outside of the town’s conservation area.

Councillor David Vickers said: “It’s just not on. We try to retain things that are useful and show the heritage in this borough.”

Councillors Keiran Casey and Qadar Zada took a milder view of the work but Councillor John Martin said: “These things are listed for a reason. I think we have to maintain that. I consider this to be vandalism.”

He said the applicant needed to deal with damp problems in the property “in a way that is respectful and sympathetic to a Grade II listed historic building” and after a vote both applications were refused.

The committee report had also highlighted concerns that the newly applied wall insulation could in fact increase moisture problems within the building, creating condensation and damp inside.