A wealthy property developer has appeared in court accused of vandalising a cherished Victorian pub in Brighton by having its historic tiles smashed.
Court Hears of 'Cherished' Pub Damage
Charlie Southall, 46, is charged with breaching a council enforcement notice after he employed builders to destroy the locally listed green glaze tiles at the Montreal Arms in April 2022. Lewes Crown Court heard on Friday that the damage to the 160-year-old pub, described as 'cherished by the community', had caused considerable local concern.
Failed Appeal and Missed Deadline
Brighton & Hove Council issued the notice ordering Southall to restore the distinctive tiles. The developer lodged an appeal against the order, but it was dismissed. He was subsequently given a final deadline of July 17, 2024, to complete the restoration work. The court was told that no work has taken place to date.
The pub was built in the 1860s during a major Victorian construction boom in Brighton and served as a centre for a bustling community. The damaged tiles date from around 1927, following the merger of the Portsmouth United brewery and Brighton's Rock brewery.
Case Adjourned for Legal Discussions
The case involved legal discussions between the court, the council, and Southall, details of which cannot currently be reported. The hearing was adjourned until next month.
