Illegally demolished pub: steps taken to protect Carlton Tavern heritage

The pub was demolished without planning permission in April last year and the council has since ordered it be rebuilt "brick by brick" using similar materials.

A planning committee met to review the decision to refuse the original planning application submitted by CLTX Limited, which was made prior to the pub's listing as an asset of community value (ACV) and a Historic England report, which said it was being considered for listed-building status.

Councillors added references to the ACV listing and the potential listed status to the refusal, which they said was a key distinction, putting the heritage value of the Carlton Tavern on the planning record.

Speaking at the planning committee, councillor Robert Davis 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."

In a letter to the Carlton Vale Phoenix Association Community Organisation, which nominated the pub as an ACV, head of city policy and strategy said "no evidence" had been submitted to the council to back up developer's claims that it was experiencing a slump in sales and the previous tenant wished to end her lease.

A public enquiry is planned to start on 17 May.