Council sets out next steps for Brighton’s ‘green tile’ pub

The future of the Montreal Arms in Brighton remains uncertain after Brighton and Hove City Council explained what could happen next with the well-known “green tile” pub. The council recently withdrew its prosecution of the pub’s owner, developer Charlie Southall, after a planning inspector’s ruling meant continuing the case was no longer considered to be […]

The future of the Montreal Arms in Brighton remains uncertain after Brighton and Hove City Council explained what could happen next with the well-known “green tile” pub.

The council recently withdrew its prosecution of the pub’s owner, developer Charlie Southall, after a planning inspector’s ruling meant continuing the case was no longer considered to be in the public interest.

The dispute centres on the distinctive green-tiled façade of the building, which was partially removed several years ago as part of proposed restoration works. The pub has since become the focus of a long-running planning battle between the owner and the council.

According to the council, any work carried out to restore the building must now comply with the planning permission currently in place. This includes strict conditions regarding the reinstatement of the original tiles.

Planning inspector C Housden recently updated the conditions, stating that any tiles removed during repair work must be repaired and put back wherever possible. If replacements are needed, they must match the original tiles in font, size, colour, material and finish.

The inspector’s ruling also makes clear that the building cannot be used or occupied until the tiled façade has been properly restored in line with these requirements.

Council officials said they would continue to monitor the situation, particularly the condition and safety of the building. If the owner decides not to proceed with the approved works, the authority may review the situation again before the planning permission expires in June 2027.

If the restoration project does begin but is not completed, the council said it has potential options to try to compel the development to be finished.

However, the council confirmed that purchasing the building itself is not currently being considered.

The Montreal Arms has become one of Brighton’s most controversial planning disputes in recent years, with the removal of the pub’s distinctive green tiles sparking strong reactions from residents and heritage supporters. For now, the building remains unused while the next steps depend on whether the owner proceeds with the approved restoration plans.