A 56-year-old Malmesbury man appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Monday charged with an offence under listed building regulations.

Frank Faryab, of Oxford Street, pleaded not guilty to breaching an enforcement notice issued by council planners.

The charge relates to Faryab being in breach if a notice issued by North Wilts District Council in February 2003 for land at 12 Oxford Street, also known as The Manse, a corner property attached to the Moravian Church given Grade II listing in 1976.

North Wiltshire District Council had claimed work on The Manse had not been given any consent. This included installation of new and replacement dormer and sash windows and other alterations to the interior. But the planning inspectorate found in September 2003 that the exterior decoration was completed in accordance with listed building consent.

However, he did not find in Faryab's favour over a number of issues saying the area was a focal point of the town centre and careful and consistent control should be exercised over development and attention to minor details.

The requirements of an appeal decision said Faryab would have to backtrack on much of the exterior and interior work. Faryab has been charged under the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Area) Act 1990 and the case was adjourned for a three-day trial from April 18.