Crooked House pub 'must be rebuilt to what it was' after 'unlawful demolition'
The owners of “Britain’s wonkiest pub” which was destroyed fire last year before it was torn down have been ordered to rebuild it "to what it was before".
Residents and former patrons were furious when the Crooked House Pub, which dates back to the 18th century, was ravaged by fire last August. Days afterwards it was demolished altogether, sparking more fury in Dudley, West Midlands. Now Andy Street, mayor of the region, has confirmed its owners have been ordered to rebuild it to its former wonky glory. He posted on social media: “Crooked House ordered to be rebuilt. An enforcement notice has been issued against the owners for its unlawful demolition.
“They have been ordered to rebuild the pub back to what it was before the fire - just as we’ve been lobbying for. Fantastic work from South Staffordshire Council.” The council in its own update added: “The council has today, 27 February, served an on the owners of the Crooked House. The enforcement notice is for the unlawful demolition of the building which is a breach of planning control.
The Crooked House was demolished without permision (PA)“The council has engaged with the owners since the demolition but has reached a point where formal action is considered necessary. The enforcement notice is for the unlawful demolition of the building, which is a breach of planning control. It requires the building to be built back to what it was prior to the fire. The notice specifies the materials etc which must be used to rebuild the building.”
It added the owners have three years from today to rebuild the beloved pub but have a week to appeal the notice which would be heard by an independent planning inspector. If work is not completed within the time limit, the local authority can prosecute for failure to comply with the notice. However, the owners do have 30 days to appeal.
Massive fire engulfs iconic 'Britain's wonkiest' pub just weeks after it closed
The Crooked House was decimated by fire last year (BPM Media)
The order online showing it must be rebuilt (@Andystreet/X)Leader of the Council, councillor Roger Lees, said: “A huge amount of time and resources have been put into investigating the unauthorised demolition of the Crooked House. We have had great support from the local community, our MPs and the Mayor of the West Midlands, and from the campaign group whose aim is to see the Crooked House back to its former glory which is the key objective of the Enforcement Notice.
“We have not taken this action lightly, but we believe that it is right to bring the owners, who demolished the building without consent, to account and we are committed to do what we can to get the Crooked House rebuilt.”
The news was welcomed by locals still fuming at its temporary loss. One said: “ No less than it should be. Architectural vandals.” Another added: “That’s fabulous news Andy. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out, with the director of the company responsible having resigned as its director.”
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