Developer May Have to Rebuild Old Pub It Razed

Those who rail against developers for valuing the almighty dollar over character can raise a glass to this story out of London: Local officials will try to force developers to rebuild an old pub they tore down without permission, reports the Evening Standard. It seems that Tel Aviv developer CLTX razed the nearly century-old Carlton Tavern earlier this month, even though the Westminster council had rejected a plan to knock it down and build pricey apartments. Outrage ensued among the locals, especially because the pub had been the only building on its street to survive German bombs during World War II, notes the Telegraph.

As a result, council officials have fast-tracked an order requiring CLTX to "recreate in facsimile the building as it stood immediately prior to its demolition." The order—believed to be the first of its kind, reports the Independent—is not final yet, but the council's planning committee is expected to approve it next week. The council also plans to have the pub bestowed with historic status to ensure that if it goes back up, it won't be torn back down. No word yet on how the developer will respond, reports the BBC. (More uplifting news stories.)