A historic pub has been listed as an asset of community value following a campaign from residents.

The Montreal Arms in Albion Hill, Brighton, had sustained damage after workers hacked away at tiles in March last year after millionaire property developer Charlie Southall claimed they were beyond repair.

Mr Southall has been forced to repair or replace the green tiles after an appeal was rejected by a government-appointed planning inspector and demanded those tiles damaged by the unauthorised work must be reinstated.

In the wake of the damage, local group Friends of the Montreal Arms applied to the council to nominate the Montreal Arms as an asset of community value, which would recognise the building as being of social value to the local community.

The status puts a moratorium on any sale of the building or land to enable a community group to make its own offer.

Brighton and Hove City Council considered the nomination and decided to include the Montreal Arms, which closed in early 2020, in its list of assets of community value, with the decision upheld following a review requested by the landowner.

A further appeal was made to a tribunal, which was also dismissed.

The news has been welcomed by councillors and by residents who had been campaigning to safeguard the future of the historic building.

Councillor Birgit Miller, lead councillor for culture on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “I’m delighted that the council’s decision to list the Montreal Arms as an asset of community value has been upheld, giving further protection to this well-loved and historic building.

“We will continue to use the asset of community value legislation, where relevant, to give further protection and support local communities.”