The site where a much loved Maida Vale pub was demolished by its owner has been listed as an asset of community value.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The pub before it was demolished (Pic credit: Flickr/Ewan Munro)The pub before it was demolished (Pic credit: Flickr/Ewan Munro) (Image: Archant)

However the owners could try and claim compensation from Westminster Council for doing so.

The former Carlton Tavern, in Carlton Vale, has been given the status by the council following a nomination by the Carlton Vale Phoenix Association Community Organisation (CVPACO).

But under the Assets of Community Value (England) regulations 2012, developers CLTX are entitled to claim compensation for the ‘loss or expense’ incurred due to the listing status.

The popular pub was reduced to rubble by CLTX last April after planning permission to build residential flats was refused by Westminster Council.

CLTX appealed the refusal shortly afterwards.

It has also appealed an enforcement notice by Westminster Council to rebuild the pub “brick by brick” which will be heard by public inquiry in May.

CVPACO’s nomination was at first rejected by the council and finally accepted last December which CLTX has also objected to.

This week the council agreed with the nomination.

Maureen Pepper, of the Rebuild the Carlton Tavern campaign, said: “We are delighted as this means if the land or the rebuilt pub is ever offered for sale, the community will have six months to try to raise the money to buy it.”

CLTX has 91 days to put in a compensation claim.

A Westminster Council spokesman said: “The Carlton Tavern land has now been listed as an Asset of Community Value. This means that the owner of the asset has to notify the Council if they wish to dispose of the freehold/leasehold interest in Land. This will then give any community group period of six weeks to decide if they want to bid for the Land or lease.”