Public inquiry into pub demolition starts in London.
A public inquiry into the shock demolition of a historic pub in Kilburn begins today.
The hearing, led by a government planning inspector, will decide if the Carlton Tavern in Carlton Vale, should be rebuilt ‘brick by brick’ after it was reduced to rubble last April.
In opening arguments, Cllr Jan Prenderghast from Westminster Council said this was “flagrant vandalism with no respect for local community.”
The pub, which dates back to 1920 and survived the Blitz, was due to be given a Grade II listing by Historic England when its owners CLTX knocked it down after it was refused permission by Westminster Council to develop the site.
CLTX, which is based in Israel and owned by Ori Calif, had sought to replace the pub with a bar and a block of flats.
In May last year, Westminster Council ordered CLTX to rebuild the pub ‘brick by brick’ within 18 months or face the courts.
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