On 5 August 2023, a fire destroyed much of the interior of the Crooked House pub in Himley, Staffordshire, with the remaining structure of the building demolished without planning permission less than 48 hours later.
Six people were arrested in connection with the fire after a police investigation, but have since been bailed and released under investigation pending further enquiries.
CAMRA pub campaigns director Gary Timmins said the incident brought the “nationwide scandal” of the non-enforcement of pub protection legislation to the “forefront of people’s minds”, which he highlighted in a letter to the previous Housing and Planning Minister.
Determined efforts
Timmins continued: “In the year since we have supported the determined efforts of local campaigners to keep the story of the Crooked House alive.
“We met with Government ministers to lobby for the protection of pubs and worked with West Midlands Combined Authority to encourage the statutory listing of other local pubs, in the hope they receive the protection the Crooked House deserved.”
Now with a new Government in place, the consumer organisation has urged the “fight continues” to ensure improvements are made to planning enforcement powers for local councils.
In 2017 planning laws were changed so that pubs in England could not be converted or demolished without planning permission.
However, CAMRA claimed it had evidence to suggest many pubs continue to be demolished or converted without apparent planning permission.
Cultural heritage
Earlier this week, the campaign reiterated calls for “action” from the Government to protect pubs to mark the one year anniversary of the Crooked House blaze.
CAMRA chairman Nik Antona commented: “The events at the Crooked House were a tragedy that captured the emotions of pub lovers across the UK. Yet the scandal of unlawful pub conversions and demolitions continues.
“Over this past year, we have been tireless in our campaigning and our message that more protection is needed for pubs across the UK.
“It is vital this new Government echoes this sentiment, and we see real change to policy to secure the future of our pub stock and cultural heritage.”
