Overview
The complainant Ms C raised a number of concerns about how the City of Edinburgh Council (the Council) dealt with her reports to them about the removal of an original fireplace from a listed building.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Council failed to deal with Ms C's concerns about the fireplace appropriately (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council:
- (i) within three months, follow up the evidence disclosed in this report and consider whether there are grounds to review their decision to take no further enforcement action;
- (ii) emphasise to Enforcement Officers the importance of obtaining entry and making proper enquiries; and
- (iii) apologise to Ms C for failing to deal with her concerns appropriately.
The Council have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.