Iconic Brighton Pub’s Green Tiles Spark Fresh Battle
The famous green-glazed tiles of Brighton’s Montreal Arms pub are making headlines again. Developer Charlie Southall wants to strip off every original tile from the building’s façade as part of a long-delayed makeover. He insists replacements will be fitted, but heritage bosses are not impressed.
Long-Running Tile Tussle
The drama began back in March 2022, when tiles vanished just after a fundraising drive to restore the pub fell through. The council stepped in immediately, halting work and ordering the tiles to be reinstated. Since then, planning fights and appeals have dragged on with little progress.
Finally, in June 2024, planning permission was granted – but with a catch. The original tiles must be preserved where possible. Any replacements require detailed council approval. Southall launched appeals against these strict conditions but pulled out before hearings.
Developer Demands Licence to Strip Tiles
Now Southall wants to ditch two key planning rules: one requiring council approval before touching tiles, the other banning removal of intact originals without explicit permission.
His new claim? The council’s red tape is choking the project, making it impossible to proceed under current rules.
Council officers have seen evidence of the tiles’ condition and rough plans for replacements. But they want detailed specs and samples from the tile maker before giving the green light.
Legal Showdown Looms
The saga isn’t just administrative. Southall faces court on 18 August at Brighton Magistrates’ Court for ignoring an enforcement notice about removing the original tiles.
How this case plays out could shape Brighton’s battle between development ambitions and preserving its heritage. A hard lesson in bureaucracy or a victory for city character?
