In April 2015, developers CTLX demolished the Carlton Tavern in Maida Vale, which was, at the time, being considered for grade II listing. The demolition apparently took place without any warning being given to the local council, without planning approval and without health and safety procedures in place.
As such, an enforcement notice was issued, which CTLX appealed against. However, following a public inquiry in May, the Planning Inspectorate has decided that the appeal should be dismissed, and that the pub must be rebuilt as close to the original as possible.
Robert Davis, Westminster City Council cabinet member for the built environment, said, "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."
The planning inspector dealing with the appeal said that it was likely that the building would have been listed had the building not been demolished. CTLX now has two years to rebuild the pub.
Speaking about the case, the London and East representative on the RTPIs National Association for Planning Enforcement Management Committee, Neil Whittaker, said, "This is an example of how the planning enforcement function within a local planning authority is used to ensure the integrity of the planning system. Enforcement was used to ensure that this building, which is important to the community, will be made available to them once again."
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