To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

UK's wonkiest pub owners agree to rebuild under one controversial condition after fire

UK's wonkiest pub owners agree to rebuild under one controversial condition after fire

The owners were ordered by the council to rebuild the pub within three years

The owners of 'Britain's wonkiest pub' have finally given in and agreed to a council order to rebuild the iconic pub.

The Crooked House was located in Himley near Dudley, and was unfortunately engulfed in flames during an apparent arson attack.

Staffordshire Police made six arrests in connection with the incident, but no one was prosecuted and the pub was completely demolished two days later.

The South Staffordshire Council initially issued an enforcement notice in February this year, forcing owners ATE Farms to rebuild the once loved public house for the community.

The pub was almost completely destroyed. (SWNS)
The pub was almost completely destroyed. (SWNS)

Despite appealing the council's decision, as it said that it must be complete within three years, the owners have finally agreed to a rebuild under one particular condition.

A document submitted by the owners reads: "Requiring a re-build in the same location, whilst reflective of popular opinion, will not change the fact that the building in that location is not viable as a public house.

"For this reason, the appellant has put forward a sustainable, and what it sees as a genuine and practical solution to the issue, to the council that it rebuild the building on other land that it owns, to operate as a public house, with other development to increase footfall and give the pub and the building a real chance of success as a community asset."

The vision is to reconstruct the pub, as well as the parking space and landscaping, north of its original location on Crooked House Lane.

The fire fully devastated the pub. (SWNS)
The fire fully devastated the pub. (SWNS)

Owners said that it would increase accessibility for customers: "The proposal locates a newly constructed Crooked House pub along with appropriate parking and landscaping further north off Crooked House Lane and as near to the highway junction with the Himley Road as would allow."

This news comes after the building was decided to be 'structurally unsafe', as three key elements were removed from the building, that caused further issues.

The upper sections of the building were removed and took the steel tie ins with it, negatively affecting the remaining structure.

Contractors labelled the building as 'completely unsafe' and at a 'high (and unacceptable risk) of collapse.'

The owners also stated: "The council officers had left the land and a quick decision had to be made.

"The situation on the land was such that, due to the amount of media attention and public attendance, a decision had to be taken quickly as to the immediate safety of the building.

"A decision was made with reference to the director of the appellant that in order to abate the risk, the mainstay of the remaining structure needed to be taken down."

The pub was famously crooked in its structure. (SWNS)
The pub was famously crooked in its structure. (SWNS)

They also were aware of the fact that serious injury or fatalities could occur with the building collapsing, especially with the number of people working on removing bricks and retrieving other salvageable items for sale or memorabilia.

There are also plans in place to open an education centre and retirement lodges in the area, with the document adding: "In this regard, the appellant is in the process of preparing a detailed pre-application to be put to the council (and neighbouring authorities)."

Since the tragic fire destroyed The Crooked House, a new pub took the title of 'Britain's wonkiest pub' for featuring similarly crooked doors and an uneven bar.

The 200-year-old Tilted Barrel in the West Midlands stands on a slant, boasting wonky features after it dropped through after being built on a mine.

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: UK News, Community, Pubs