Crooked House Owners Propose Rebuilding in New Location: Not Viable at Current Site
The owners of the Crooked House pub in Himley, near Dudley, which was once known as Britain's wonkiest inn, plan to rebuild it in a new location after it was demolished following a suspected arson attack in August 2023.
ATE Farms Limited, the owners, have stated that the current location is not viable for a pub and building it on their nearby land would increase its chances of success as a community asset.
However, South Staffordshire Council's enforcement notice requires the pub to be rebuilt back to its original state prior to the fire.
A hearing for an appeal against the demolition of The Crooked House, a historic building that sank due to mining and was later a pub, is scheduled for July.
The house, built in 1765, was first a farmhouse but began to sink during the early 19th century due to mining in the area.
It became a well-known icon and attracted international attention.
The pub caught fire in an suspected arson attack on August 5 and was demolished two days later.
Five men and one woman were arrested and bailed in connection with the fire.
ATE Farms Limited, the current owners, stated that rebuilding the building in its current location, as required by an enforcement notice, would not create a sustainable community facility as it was not one prior to its sale by the Marstons brewery.
The owners of the Crooked House, a pub that has been closed due to lack of use, explained that the building was not profitable in its current location due to insufficient foot traffic.
They proposed rebuilding the pub on land they own further up Crooked House Lane, stating that while there would be initial interest, it would not be enough to sustain the business in its current location.
However, South Staffordshire Council's enforcement notice requires the pub to be rebuilt back to its original state prior to the fire.
A hearing for an appeal against the demolition of The Crooked House, a historic building that sank due to mining and was later a pub, is scheduled for July.
The house, built in 1765, was first a farmhouse but began to sink during the early 19th century due to mining in the area.
It became a well-known icon and attracted international attention.
The pub caught fire in an suspected arson attack on August 5 and was demolished two days later.
Five men and one woman were arrested and bailed in connection with the fire.
ATE Farms Limited, the current owners, stated that rebuilding the building in its current location, as required by an enforcement notice, would not create a sustainable community facility as it was not one prior to its sale by the Marstons brewery.
The owners of the Crooked House, a pub that has been closed due to lack of use, explained that the building was not profitable in its current location due to insufficient foot traffic.
They proposed rebuilding the pub on land they own further up Crooked House Lane, stating that while there would be initial interest, it would not be enough to sustain the business in its current location.