Owners of Crooked House appeal against order to rebuild 'Britain's wonkiest pub'

The historic building, in Himley, near Dudley, burned down on 5 August last year, just two weeks after it was sold to new owners.

Thursday 28 March 2024 11:13, UK

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The owners of The Crooked House have launched an appeal against an order to rebuild the pub.

The historic building, known as "Britain's wonkiest pub", shot to national attention last year when it was demolished soon after being damaged in a fire.

The pub, in Himley, near Dudley, burned down on 5 August, just two weeks after it was sold to new owners.

South Staffordshire Council last month served an enforcement notice to the owners, demanding they rebuild it within the next three years.

However, the authority said the owners have now lodged an appeal against the move, although a date has not yet been set for the hearing.

"There is no further information available at this time and we will issue an update when we have more information," the council added in a statement.

The enforcement notice to rebuild the pub specifies the materials that must be used in the work.

The council has recovered around 25,000 bricks from the site and put them in storage.

There was an outpouring of anger following the pub's demolition, which did not have permission from the council.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street was among those who spoke out in support of the pub being rebuilt.

In a statement accompanying last month's enforcement notice, the council said it had "engaged with the owners since the demolition but has reached a point where formal action is considered necessary."

Council leader Roger Lees added: "We have not taken this action lightly, but we believe that it is right to bring the owners, who demolished the building without consent, to account."

Three men, aged 33, 51, and 66 have been arrested and bailed in connection with the case.

Owners of Crooked House appeal against order to rebuild 'Britain's wonkiest pub'

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