Developers Who Illegally Demolished Pub Ordered to Rebuild it Exactly as it Was

Developers who could not get their plan approved to replace a 1920s London pub with an apartment block decided to move forward with their plan anyway, demolishing the historical building without permission. Now, the developers are being ordered to rebuild the pub exactly as it was before it was torn down.

According to the Evening Standard, Israeli developers CLTX purchased the Carlton Tavern, hoping to turn it into a block of apartment flats. The city council rejected the proposition, announcing plans to strengthen the preservation of London's historic drinking houses. CLTX, had other plans, however, and ordered the pub closed on April 8, telling employees to stay home for an "inventory." CLTX then sent in demolition equipment and leveled the pub, shocking the staff and local residents.

Next week, the council will issue an unprecedented order to the developers, instructing them to "recreate in facsimile the building as it stood immediately prior to its demolition."