diff --git a/src/lang/english.txt b/src/lang/english.txt
index fd36e64c90..5ebe998a1a 100644
--- a/src/lang/english.txt
+++ b/src/lang/english.txt
@@ -5001,6 +5001,7 @@ STR_ERROR_FLAT_LAND_REQUIRED                                    :{WHITE}Flat lan
 STR_ERROR_LAND_SLOPED_IN_WRONG_DIRECTION                        :{WHITE}Land sloped in wrong direction
 STR_ERROR_CAN_T_DO_THIS                                         :{WHITE}Can't do this...
 STR_ERROR_BUILDING_MUST_BE_DEMOLISHED                           :{WHITE}Building must be demolished first
+STR_ERROR_BUILDING_IS_PROTECTED                                 :{WHITE}... building is protected
 STR_ERROR_CAN_T_CLEAR_THIS_AREA                                 :{WHITE}Can't clear this area...
 STR_ERROR_SITE_UNSUITABLE                                       :{WHITE}... site unsuitable
 STR_ERROR_ALREADY_BUILT                                         :{WHITE}... already built
diff --git a/src/town_cmd.cpp b/src/town_cmd.cpp
index e9e72f1aec..1bc2befd08 100644
--- a/src/town_cmd.cpp
+++ b/src/town_cmd.cpp
@@ -710,7 +710,7 @@ static void TileLoop_Town(TileIndex tile)
 static CommandCost ClearTile_Town(TileIndex tile, DoCommandFlags flags)
 {
 	if (flags.Test(DoCommandFlag::Auto)) return CommandCost(STR_ERROR_BUILDING_MUST_BE_DEMOLISHED);
-	if (!CanDeleteHouse(tile)) return CMD_ERROR;
+	if (!CanDeleteHouse(tile)) return CommandCost(STR_ERROR_BUILDING_IS_PROTECTED);
 
 	const HouseSpec *hs = HouseSpec::Get(GetHouseType(tile));
 
@@ -724,7 +724,7 @@ static CommandCost ClearTile_Town(TileIndex tile, DoCommandFlags flags)
 		if (!_cheats.magic_bulldozer.value && !flags.Test(DoCommandFlag::NoTestTownRating)) {
 			/* NewGRFs can add indestructible houses. */
 			if (rating > RATING_MAXIMUM) {
-				return CommandCost(CMD_ERROR);
+				return CommandCost(STR_ERROR_BUILDING_IS_PROTECTED);
 			}
 			/* If town authority controls removal, check the company's rating. */
 			if (rating > t->ratings[_current_company] && _settings_game.difficulty.town_council_tolerance != TOWN_COUNCIL_PERMISSIVE) {