Mike Wood Pushes Crooked House Bill to Protect Historic Pubs

The Heritage Public Houses Bill reached its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, 16 October, amid stalled parliamentary progress following the unauthorized destruction of the Crooked House pub in Staffordshire. Sponsored by Conservative MP Mike Wood, the proposed legislation aims to establish mandatory local registers for historic drinking establishments and grant communities stronger rights to acquire properties put up for sale.

Bill Requires Local Authorities to Register Heritage Pubs

Under the terms of the private member’s bill, local authorities across England would be required to maintain formal registers identifying heritage pubs. The framework covers any venue at least 150 years old or recognized for special heritage value. Buildings nominated for official listing would secure immediate interim protection while regulators evaluate the application. Proposals also introduce stricter planning criteria, mirroring protections currently afforded to listed structures.

Parliament should not leave the door wide open for the next historic pub to be bulldozed on a Sunday night, Wood told MPs during the debate, according to bbc.co.uk. He noted that while legislation cannot reverse the loss of the Himley landmark, a legal shield could protect surviving historic venues.

The Campaign for Real Ale has thrown its weight behind the initiative.

Black Country Pub Demolition Prompts Legislative Push

The legislative push stems directly from the August 2023 destruction of the Black Country pub, which burned down shortly after changing hands and was swiftly demolished. Staffordshire Council subsequently ordered owners ATE Farms Ltd to rebuild the historic structure brick-by-brick. That rebuilding order is currently facing an appeal from the site owners.

Meanwhile, the police investigation into the fire and subsequent demolition remains active. Authorities submitted a comprehensive file to the Crown Prosecution Service, though prosecutors have brought no formal criminal charges against any individual or corporate entity to date.

Register Does Not Mandate Continuous Operation

Coverage under the proposed register does not mandate continuous operation for struggling venues.