Inquiry rules developers must rebuild Carlton Tavern pub 'brick by brick'

Campaigners and a London council have won the battle for a historic pub to be rebuilt ‘brick by brick’ after it was torn down by developers.

Westminster City Council demanded the Carlton Tavern in Maida Vale be fixed up to as close to its original state after it was demolished last April.

At the time, councillors complained the demolition was “unlawful” with plans to list the building to protect it from redevelopment after the council snubbed an application last January.

But the pub was reduced to rubble just months later, which was challenged by the council via an enforcement notice.

The council were backed by campaign group The Friends of Carlton Tavern and have had their wish granted following a five day public inquiry in May.

The Planning Inspectorate heard the appeal by developers CTLX against a notice that demanded the pub to be rebuilt.

The company have been given two years to restore the building after the inspector agreed the “rare public house” would have been listed had it not been torn down.

Cllr Robert Davis from Westminster City Council said: “This decision is a just reward for the work of all the local campaigners who have fought so hard to right this wrong.”

“Westminster City Council has stood side by side with residents to demand that the Carlton Tavern should be rebuilt brick by brick.”