A rich property developer has been ordered to restore a historic tavern to its former grandeur after being accused of “wanton destruction.”
The 150-year-old Montreal Arms in Brighton was purchased by Charlie Southall, who also works as a photographer, when it closed during the lockdown.’
He initially offered the property to house Ukrainians after purchasing it ‘on a whim,’ but later backed down after people questioned his motives when he started an £85,000 campaign.
The 43-year-old then hired a crew of workmen to chop off the façade of the regionally listed pub’s glazed green tiles.
Residents and council members were outraged, calling the developer a “vandal” and a “spoilt child.”
To prevent further damage to the heritage tiles, the council issued an emergency halt order.
