Brighton Pub Owner Appears in Court Over Stripped Historic Tiles

The owner of a well-known Brighton pub is facing legal action after historic tiles were removed from the property without consent, triggering a planning dispute with the local council.

Charlie Southall, proprietor of the Montreal Arms on Albion Hill, appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on July 21 after failing to comply with an enforcement notice issued by Brighton and Hove City Council.

The case centres on distinctive green tiles that were removed from the pub’s façade in March 2022—tiles believed to hold historic value as part of the building’s original design. The council took enforcement action, ordering Southall to repair or replace the tiles by July 2024. According to court documents, he failed to do so on six counts, in breach of planning regulations under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

At the hearing, Southall requested an adjournment, arguing that he had not secured legal representation and had only received the court summons on July 9, leaving him insufficient time to understand what he described as a “complicated and highly technical” case.

However, the council’s legal team opposed the delay, stating that Southall had been aware of the council’s intent to prosecute for over four months. “It’s not tenable for him to claim there hasn’t been sufficient time to seek legal advice,” said the council’s representative in court.

Magistrates granted a four-week adjournment, with the case now set to return to court on August 18.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Arms has been put up for sale, with estate agent Savills listing the property at “offers in excess of £425,000.” The sale listing appeared in March this year, raising questions about the future of the building and its compliance with local planning laws.

The council’s enforcement notice, issued in April 2022, reflected its concerns over the unauthorised removal of materials considered integral to the area’s architectural character. Breaching such a notice can carry serious penalties, including fines or further legal action.

The outcome of next month’s hearing could determine not only whether Southall will face consequences for failing to restore the building, but also the future condition and status of the Montreal Arms—a pub that, despite being closed, still holds a place in the community’s historic streetscape.