A MAN who demolished a 200-year-old listed cottage in Thornton-in-Craven without planning permission could be facing a prison sentence.

David Eckersall, 55, admitted the demolition of grade two listed Nutter Cote Farm at Skipton Magistrates’ Court.

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He will be sentenced in nine weeks time.

Eckersall, who was allowed unconditional bail, will learn his fate following an all options report, with magistrates - who can only pass prison sentences of up to six months and a maximum fine of £5,000 - reserving the right to send him to crown court, if they decide their sentencing powers are not adequate enough.

Eckersall, who gave his address in court as Nutter Cote Farm, admitted the execution or causing the execution of the demolition of Nutter Cote Farm - part of the grade two listed Nutter Cote in Church Road - between April 25 and May 3.

The offence, under the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas Act, carries a maximum prison sentence of two years, or unlimited fine, in the higher court.

Ben Thomas, prosecuting for Craven District Council, said Eckersall did not have the required permissions to demolish the cottage and that it was proposed a sentencing hearing take place with all options open, including being sent to crown court.

Magistrates told Eckersall, who made his first appearance in court without legal representation, that he now stood convicted of ‘very serious matters’.

They made an order that any evidence or reports to be brought in mitigation must be with the council by the end of October.

Eckersall’s immediate neighbours, Joan and Geoff Peel, of the attached Nutter Cote Cottage, returned from holiday in May to find their home of 40 years exposed to the elements.

Their dining room, which was beneath part of Nutter Cote Farm, and bathroom wall were both exposed and the couple were forced to move out temporarily after their insurance company declared the building unsafe.

A planning application to rebuild Nutter Cote Farm and to retain a wall at the site is currently being considered by Craven District Council’s Planning department.