The demise of the Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire, has sparked outrage across the nation. MPs, peers, mayors, editors, villagers, and even a Facebook group with 18,000 members are all expressing their frustrations. The demolition contractor, who had already scheduled the digger before the fire, is also feeling embarrassed. Many of these individuals may not have been aware of the pub’s existence before, but now they are adamant about its complete restoration.
To prevent the destruction of buildings with architectural and historical significance, there is a well-established procedure called protective listing. Given that the pub was from the 18th century, it likely would have qualified for such listing. Historic England, an organization advocating for the restoration of the Crooked House, revealed that they received a request to list the building shortly before it caught fire. However, it is evident that this renowned building should have been protected much earlier. This situation further highlights the inadequacy of the current system in England, as seen in the ongoing controversy surrounding the unlisted M&S store on Oxford Street in London.
In Himley, the local community failed to register their pub as an asset of community value under the local plan. Interestingly, the owner of the Crooked House recently gutted the interior of another Midlands pub, the Sarah Mansfield at Willey, which had been nominated for asset status. Unfortunately, the listing was overruled on appeal, demonstrating how local planning is still under the influence of central authorities. The notion that a civil servant studying an appeal can better judge the value of a pub than the local residents is absurd. It only takes a developer to claim the need for more housing, and the central government readily surrenders.
The preservation of pubs is a matter of great concern. About six years ago, an attempt was made to correct the misguided decision by the Cameron government that allowed pubs to be easily redeveloped. After facing significant backlash, this freedom was revoked in 2017. Nevertheless, in the past decade, approximately 7,000 pubs in England and Wales have closed. During the first quarter of this year alone, more than 150 pubs were demolished or converted, a 60% increase compared to the previous year. Change of use is permitted if a pub remains unprofitable for a designated period, a criterion conveniently met through its destruction. As for the Crooked House, the police are investigating a suspected case of arson but have yet to make any arrests.
The fate of the Crooked House should serve as a warning to others and encourage the restoration of this unique and beloved village landmark, preferably at the expense of those responsible for its demolition. Rebuilding a “wonky” pub may require creative solutions, but it follows the same principles as the successful reconstruction of countless Tudor pubs throughout the country. Some may consider it reminiscent of a Disney setting, but where is the harm in that?
Another response to this incident should be a more serious one. Local democracy needs to remain vigilant at all times. It must utilize every available legal resource and demand strict enforcement. A clear message must be sent to the developer lobbyists who dismiss democracy as mere nimbyism as they roam freely across the English landscape.
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