Wandsworth Council has ordered a developer to (re)turn an eponymous pile of rubble into gold.
Council for UK’s Battersea conservation area has “roundly rejected” a retrospective building proposal by the developer that bulldozed St Johns’ Hill’s The Alchemist pub last month.
The developer will now be required to “[restore] to its original condition” the Victorian public house deemed an historic building in the old district.
Despite requirements to do so, no plans were submitted before the pub went to ground, and Wandsworth Council had no sympathy for the posthumous effort to circumvent the system.
“The developer was trying to get permission for this unlawful demolition by the back door. This attempt has been roundly rejected,” stressed planning chairperson, Councillor Sarah McDermott.
“The loss of such an interesting and important local landmark was judged to be against the public interest.
“In our view the demolition was a very serious breach of planning rules, which can only be put right by the complete rebuilding and reconstruction of this important community asset, using the same materials and to the same architectural design.”
A very similar instance took place in April, whereby Westminster Council and locals continue to seek the exact reproduction of Maida Vale’s Carlton Tavern following its unexpected demolition.
Wandsworth Council has wasted no time making its ruling, and makes no excuses for its actions.
“This building was an integral part of the St John’s Hill Grove conservation area and its loss has been keenly felt by local people,” explains McDermott.
“That’s why we are determined to take action to ensure it’s restored for future generations.”