A historic pub in Maida Vale must be rebuilt brick by brick within two years following its wrongful demolition, a court has deemed.
The Carlton Tavern was knocked down by developers CTLX April 2015, shortly after it was refused planning permission by Westminster City Council.
The demolition of the pub in Carlton Vale, which was built in 1920-21 and was the only building on its street to survive the Blitz, was heavily criticised by regulars, which was the only building on its street to survive the Blitz, and the council.
It issued an enforcement notice demanding the pub be rebuilt as close to the original as possible.
CTLX appealed and following a five day inquiry at Westminster City Hall in May, but this was dismissed by a planning inspector on Friday (July 8), giving the developers two years to rebuild the Carlton Tavern.
During the inquiry, evidence was heard from local campaign groups, residents, councillors and Historic England, which said it had intended to recommend the site for listed status in part due to the fact it was “remarkably well-preserved” from its inter war days.
Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, Westminster City Council cabinet member for the built environment, 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 Carton Tavern should be rebuilt brick by brick.
“Our planning officers and residents made a strong case in May at the public inquiry. I am pleased that we have won the battle and I look forward to seeing the Carlton Tavern turned back into a thriving community pub.
“This sends a clear message to developers across the country that they cannot ride roughshod over the views of local communities.”
