Developers who demolished homes which survived the Blitz ordered to rebuild them brick by brick

Developers who tore down three Victorian homes which survived the Blitz have been ordered to rebuild them exactly as they were.

The 19th-century properties on the Isle of Dogs, owned by developers Magnus Davey and his sister Julie, were listed as being of historic and architectural interest and survived bombing during the Second World War that razed most of the area.

Tower Hamlets council has issued enforcement notices giving the owners 18 months to rebuild the cottages next to Canary Wharf.

Tower Hamlets mayor John Biggs said: “The owners allowed the demolition and have since repeatedly refused to give a credible explanation for their destruction during exhaustive enquiries by the council. They should be made to replace these properties like for like, brick by brick.”

Mr Davey, who is appealing against the council’s action, said they had not been told the buildings were in a conservation area.

He said: “The buildings were falling down — they were dangerous.”

The appeal will be handled by the Secretary of State.