Council to court pub owner Charlie Southall after 2022 tile removal. Enforcement delayed despite notices and appeals.
Charlie Southall hired friends and they hacked off green tiles in March 2022. This happened at the Montreal Arms on Albion Hill, after a failed fundraiser where people doubted his restoration plan.
The council issued a stop notice that day, halting the work. They later issued an enforcement notice, which was upheld after an appeal.
Southall had until July to comply, but this deadline paused when he got permission. He could restore tiles and reopen the pub. He could also change the flat above, which happened in June.
He appealed strict conditions for tile replacement, but abandoned this appeal very late.
This week, Councillor Tim Rowkins spoke to neighbors indicating more was happening privately and that an announcement is coming soon.
He stated the situation has lasted too long and needs a solution. He said much work happens behind the scenes to move things forward.
He can’t share details yet because it might harm legal processes, he said.
The Green party sent out a leaflet to explain the delay, as residents asked too and nothing changed, they stated. Green campaigners want action, asking why enforcement is delayed and when it’s finally happening.