Crooked House owners appeal against order to rebuild wonky pub

The owners of the Crooked House pub in Himley in Staffordshire have lodged an appeal against the council's order to rebuild the site "to what it was prior to the fire".

The pub, once known as "Britain's wonkiest inn", was destroyed in a blaze and subsequently demolished in August last year, just two weeks after it was sold by Marston's brewery.

It provoked outrage in the local community and led to a police investigation. Five men and one woman arrested in connection with the fire, which is being treated as arson, remain on conditional bail.

South Staffordshire Council served the enforcement notice on 27 February for the "unlawful demolition of the building", which breached planning controls.

A notice on South Staffordshire Council read: "The owners had 30 days in which to appeal the notice and we have been advised that an appeal has now been lodged.

"We are now awaiting a date for the appeal and the appointment of a Planning Inspector."

No further information is available at this time, the statement added.

The Crooked House was built in the 18th century and became a tourist attraction after mining in the area caused the building to partially sink, allowing visitors to roll coins and marbles uphill along the bar.

In September last year, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) called for planning laws to be amended to ensure pubs that are illegally shut down or demolished can be rebuilt "brick by brick".