'Insulting' - Pub group hit out about Crooked House appeal
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have called the appeal against having to rebuild the Crooked House pub by the owners 'insulting.'
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South Staffordshire Council on Friday set a date for the hearing, which will take place it's offices in Codsall on March 11,
The iconic pub in Himley was destroyed in a suspected arson attack in August 2023 just over a week after it was sold by Marston's for a reported £675,000 to ATE Farms.
Gary Timmins, CAMRA Pubs and Clubs Director, said: “The appeal requested by the owners of the Crooked House, ATE Farms Limited, was expected but no less insulting.
"Accountability must be taken for the complete destruction of this iconic pub, and this hearing undermines South Staffordshire Council’s enforcement notice to rebuild it.
“The Crooked House in Himley was destroyed more than 18 months ago, and this appeal delays a much-needed outcome.
"The UK’s wonkiest pub needs to be rebuilt, back to what it was prior to the fire, as ordered by South Staffordshire Council.
"If this appeal leads to this decision being reversed, it would be a complete mockery of pub protection and campaigning efforts from the local community.
“The Crooked House saga lifted the lid on the wider scandal of potentially unlawful pub conversions and demolitions across the UK, and we continue to demand tighter, stronger planning policies and a requirement in law to rebuild pubs brick-by-brick.”
