Further recognition of the role played in the community by a pub which was controversially demolished has been made by Westminster Council.
The Carlton Tavern was knocked down in April 2015 by developers who had been refused planning permission to turn it into flats by council planners in January that year.
As a result owner CTLX Ltd was issued an enforcement notice, requiring them to rebuild the pub brick by brick and “recreate in facsimile the building as it stood immediately prior to its demolition”.
Since then, an English Heritage report has revealed it “highly likely” that it would have recommended the Maida Vale building for listed status, and in February this year the pub was made an Asset of Community Value by the council following nominations by the community.
At a planning meeting on March 8, Westminster Council decided to amend their original refusal, adding reference to the pub’s demolition and its status as an undesignated heritage asset, putting on the record the heritage value of the Carlton Tavern.
Cllr Robert Davis, speaking at council’s planning committee in his role as chairman, said: “I have always stood right behind our residents who have been very clear that the Carlton Tavern is part of the special heritage of Westminster .
“It is important that we have gone on record again to underline the decision and recognise further the pub’s heritage value. This is another step in our battle to get it rebuilt brick by brick.”
A public inquiry ordered by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is scheduled to take place on May 17 following the council’s demand that the Carlton Tavern be rebuilt. It is expected to last eight days.
Cllr Davis added: “I look forward to the public inquiry in May and I hope that the many local people who care deeply about this issue will be able to attend.”
Built in 1921 The Carlton Tavern, in Carlton Vale was the only building on the street to survive the Blitz.
