A West Cumbrian couple have been fined a total of £20k after failing to comply with planning regulations at their grade-II listed pub.
George and Andrea Kemp, proprietors of the Lifeboat Inn, Maryport, were convicted of failing to comply with an enforcement notice when they appeared at West Cumbria Magistrates' Court on Friday, 26th September 2025.
This is an offence under section 179(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It has a maximum sentence of a fine at level 5 (unlimited).
Magistrates heard that the couple erected a canopy outside the pub during the covid-19 pandemic. As the business is located within a conservation area they should have sought permission from Cumberland Council, but failed to do so.
The Lifeboat has great reviews on Tripadvisor, many of which cite its traditional decor and quality homecooked food.
Landlord Mr Kemp told the council that the enforcement notice had been incorrectly delivered to the wrong address, but Royal Mail records contradicted that claim.
There followed a significant period of dialogue between the parties. Having failed to reach a consensus, the council finally decided to prosecute the couple in June 2023.
George and Andrea Kemp were each fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 surcharge and £1,384.72 in prosecution costs.
Speaking after the convictions, a Cumberland Council spokesman said: "This has been a long standing issue which has only resulted in prosecution after repeated attempts to resolve the issue were not taken up by the owner of the property.
"The former planning authority and the current planning authority made several attempts to ensure the building was compliant with listed building regulations. These have been ignored.
"Notices were issued correctly and there was repeated attempts to offer advice on how to resolve the issue.
"We are pleased with the outcome of the court case."
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