Pub owner submits new bids to remove tiles from historic building

The owner of The Montreal Arms in Hanover has made two new attempts to secure permission to remove the pub’s distinctive tiled façade, despite facing an enforcement notice ordering the tiles to be restored. Charlie Southall, who owns the building, is already set to appear in court for failing to comply with the original enforcement […]

The owner of The Montreal Arms in Hanover has made two new attempts to secure permission to remove the pub’s distinctive tiled façade, despite facing an enforcement notice ordering the tiles to be restored.

Charlie Southall, who owns the building, is already set to appear in court for failing to comply with the original enforcement notice. Brighton & Hove City Council has previously instructed him to reinstate the green tiles that were removed without full approval.

Earlier this year an application was submitted asking the council to remove two conditions linked to the 2024 consent for restoration. Those conditions required full details of the restoration process and stated that any intact tiles must be kept unless the council agreed otherwise. The application also argued that the 2022 enforcement notice was invalid because it conflicted with the later planning permission, which allowed phased tile reinstatement.

The council rejected the request in September, saying the owner had not provided expert evidence to justify full removal of the tiles. The enforcement notice originally set a deadline in July 2024, while the later planning consent allows works to begin any time before June 2027 — a contradiction the owner says makes it impossible to meet both requirements.

Southall has now appealed the refusal and is also seeking a certificate that would declare the enforcement notice invalid. A separate court case relating to non-compliance with the notice is still pending.

The future of the building’s façade remains uncertain as the appeals process continues.