Historic pub tiles could be replaced with replicas

Charlie Southall began removing tiles from the Montreal Arms in 2022

A developer told to restore external tiles he tore from a Brighton pub wants permission to remove the remaining ones and replace them all with replicas.

Charlie Southall began removing the green tiles from the former Montreal Arms, in Albion Hill, after scrapping plans to convert the building into a home for Ukrainian refugees in 2022.

Brighton & Hove City Council said he must restore the tiles and that replacements should match the colour and finish of the originals.

Councillor Steve Davis praised the plan and said residents deserved a "satisfying conclusion to this bizarre and disappointing saga".

The remaining tiles would be replaced by replicas under both planning applications.

Mr Southall has submitted two planning applications for the building. One would see replica tiles placed in the position of the originals, but in the other the replicas would be moved to the upper half of the wall.

“Given the extent of damage, the majority of tiles will require replacement,” he said in the application.

“This proposal advocates for the installation of an entirely new, exact replica of the tiled frontage.”

'Bizarre saga'

Both applications state that the ground floor would become a commercial unit, and the first floor a flat.

However, they also say the ground floor is “versatile” and could become a café, bar or change back into a pub.

The council said it is "currently clarifying some matters" with Mr Southall.

Mr Davis, leader of the opposition at the council, said: "After nearly two years of the vandalised Montreal Arms sitting as an eyesore in the heart of Hanover, we’re pleased to see a planning application finally put forward which will restore this community asset to its former glory."

Decisions on both applications are yet to be made.