A high-profile Brighton planning dispute is heading to trial after a long-running row over the removal of the famous green tiles from the Montreal Arms pub in Albion Hill.
Historic Tiles Removed Without Permission
In March 2022, the pub’s owner, developer Charlie Southall, ordered the removal of the distinctive green tiles from the frontage of the Montreal Arms. Brighton and Hove City Council quickly intervened, issuing a stop notice and later serving an enforcement order requiring the tiles to be reinstated.
Despite a series of appeals and delays, the order remained unresolved. The council gave Southall until July 2024 to comply, but the tiles were never restored.
Legal Action and Crown Court Trial
Southall, along with his company Dragonfly Architectural Services Ltd, has now been summonsed to court for failing to comply with planning enforcement. At an initial hearing, Southall indicated he will plead not guilty both personally and on behalf of the company.
The case has been sent to Lewes Crown Court, where a provisional trial date has been set for 9 November 2026. A further hearing is due in January 2026 to confirm pleas and ensure legal paperwork is in place.
Conservation Concerns
The row has fuelled anger in the Hanover community, with local campaigners insisting the green tiled frontage was part of Brighton’s architectural heritage. Conservationists argue that removing historic features without permission undermines the city’s character and sets a dangerous precedent.
Residents have also criticised the length of time it has taken for the case to progress, saying delays weaken confidence in planning enforcement in Brighton and Hove.
What’s at Stake?
If Southall is convicted, possible outcomes include:
- A court order to restore or replace the missing tiles
- Significant fines and prosecution costs
- A precedent-setting judgment on heritage protection in Brighton
The trial is expected to be closely watched across the city, as the case highlights growing tensions between developers and conservation campaigners. For many, the future of the Montreal Arms is now about more than just tiles – it’s about the protection of Brighton’s history.
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