Warwickshire owners of the Crooked House pub slammed over …
The mystery owners of an iconic West Midlands pub that burnt down are based in Warwickshire[1] according to reports. The owners of the Crooked House have been criticised for demolishing the pub ‘without permission’ from South Staffordshire Council.
The pub was sold by Marston’s two weeks ago to a buyer the BBC reports[2] is based in Warwickshire. It went up in flames on Saturday and firefighters are still working to establish the cause.
Police are also investigating. But on Monday, the remains of the building, which was built in the 18th Century, was bulldozed.
South Staffordshire Council has referred the matter to its legal team with a view to taking enforcement action.
They told BirminghamLive[4] that officers visited the site after the fire to assess the damage and speak to the landowner’s representative.
It was agreed that three elements of the first-floor front elevation would be removed to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling. But at “no point” did the council agree to the demolition of the whole structure, which went ahead on Monday afternoon (August 7), much to the disgust of furious locals.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has called for the building to be put back together ‘brick by brick’.
Council leader, Roger Lees, said the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire was “completely unacceptable”. He told BirminghamLive[5]: “Our officers carried out a site visit to the site on Monday (August 7), prior to the demolition of the building. Officers agreed a programme of works with the landowner’s representative to ensure the safety of the building and the wider site.
“The agreed course of action included the removal of three elements of the first-floor front elevation only. This was only to avoid the weak parts of the structure from falling. At no point did the council agree the demolition of the whole structure nor was this deemed necessary.
The remains of The Crooked House pub (Image: Jacob King/PA)
“This council finds the manner in which the situation was managed following the fire completely unacceptable and contrary to instructions provided by our officers. As such, we are currently investigating potential breaches of both the Town and Country Planning Act and the Buildings Act.
“Demolition of a building should be carried out in accordance with Schedule 2 Part 11 Class B of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The steps required by the legislation were not carried out in this case. We have referred these matters to our legal team with a view to taking enforcement action.”
He said as soon as the council were made aware of the breaches during the demolition, the Health and Safety Executive was notified. Cllr Lees added: “We are also liaising with many other relevant statutory bodies, including Historic England, the police and fire services, amongst others. These bodies will take the lead on investigating the issues surrounding the fire, safety of the unauthorised demolition and securing the ongoing safety of the site.
“Our own investigation is in its early stages and whilst it continues at pace, we as ask for time to consider the facts thoroughly to ensure any future actions are meaningful and proportionate. The council is incredibly saddened by the loss of the building which, whilst not listed, was a heritage asset and important landmark to the local area and community. Over recent months, the council had been in conversation with the relevant national bodies regarding how best to protect and preserve this important heritage asset.”
For all the latest Warwickshire news sign up to our daily newsletter[6].
References
- ^ Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ the BBC reports (www.bbc.co.uk)
- ^ ‘Despicable’ man tried to lure girl under 13 into sexual activity online (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
- ^ told BirminghamLive (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ told BirminghamLive (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ daily newsletter (data.reachplc.com)