Company that owns site of former Crooked House pub issued dissolution order - but objection leads to it being suspended
The company which owns the site of the former Crooked House pub has been issued with dissolution action after failing to submit its accounts on time.
But the order has now been temporarily suspended after an objection was lodged.
ATE Farm, which bought the world-famous pub on July 27, 2023, was issued with a compulsory striking-off notice after failing to submit accounts relating to the year up until November 2024.
The Crooked House, in Himley, near Dudley, was severely damaged in an arson attack nine days after the company bought the pub. Two days later it was unlawfully demolished on the instructions of ATE Farms.
Known as 'Britain's wonkiest pub' because of its tilt due to mining subsidence, the news of its destruction made headlines around the world.
ATE Farms, whose sole director is Adam Taylor, also failed to issue a confirmation statement that all its activities were lawful, also a requirement of company law.
Under the terms of the order, the company would have been dissolved by March 27, unless good cause was shown to the contrary. All property and assets would have gone to the Crown.
However, the action has now been 'temporarily suspended' until the objection has been considered.
Bedworth-based ATE Farms was issued with an enforcement notice to rebuild the pub, but the company appealed against this. An inquiry was due to have been held last year, but a judge ruled this could not go ahead until a criminal investigation into the fire had been concluded.
Its sister company, Himley Environmental, of which Mr Taylor was also a director, was placed into liquidation in April last year.
Six have been arrested in connection with the fire. They were released from bail in 2024, but the investigation continues.