Concerns have been raised that a historic Cirencester building is being left to rot while decisions are made on its future. 

Grade II* listed Dollar Street House has been empty since it was sold by St James’s Place more than a decade ago.

The 17th-century property was added to Historic England's National Register of Heritage at Risk last year, as the building is in 'slow decay'.

It was put on sale at a guide price of £2.8million by Butler Sherborn earlier this year. Planning permission is in place to create three townhouses, although consent for an additional two cottages in the grounds has lapsed. 

Although an offer has been made, the length of time it is taking for the sale to progress has caused frustration and there have been calls for Cotswold District Council to take action to ensure repairs are made.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Dollar Street House. Photo: Simon PizzeyDollar Street House. Photo: Simon Pizzey

A spokesperson for Historic England said: “We have been concerned about the deterioration of Dollar Street House for some time.

"Planning consent was granted for its repair in 2018 and we hoped that its restoration would follow, but those works did not proceed. 

"This led to us adding the building to our National Register of Heritage at Risk, as the building remains in slow decay. 

"Cotswold District Council have a range of tools available to them to arrest the decline of the building, and we have encouraged them to use their powers in planning enforcement.” 

Cllr Juliet Layton, cabinet member for development management and licensing at Cotswold District Council, said:  “The council shares the concerns regarding the condition of this important listed building.

"Officers are using the statutory powers available to them to address the situation. 

"We are in contact with the property owners and have set out the repair works we consider necessary for the proper preservation of the building. 

"The owners are engaging with us and we are hopeful progress will be made. If the owners do not take the actions we have requested, there are further legal powers at the council’s disposal.”

Sam Butler, senior partner of Butler Sherborn, said: “A sale has been agreed to prospective buyers who are keen to purchase the property. 

"It is under offer and the sale is progressing. 

"We believe the buyers will be sympathetic to the development and restoration of this handsome and important building.”