A pub’s bid to replace its historic roof tiles has been refused for a second time.

The Spanish Lady in Longridge Avenue in Saltdean applied in November 2022 to replace the green tiles with terracotta tiles but this was rejected by Brighton and Hove city councillors.

The pub, owned by the Greene King chain, submitted a second application in June but this has also been refused.

The application said “extensive leaks from the main tiled roof” were causing “extensive damage” to the manager’s flat and trade areas.

It said: “The owner has undertaken numerous repairs to try and keep the building watertight but this is proving to be futile and costly.

“Due to the current economic climate it is not cost effective for our client to replace the complete roofs with the green glazed pan tiles. Extensive cost and sourcing exercises have been carried out to no avail.

“We understand that even small scale projects within the vicinity have had difficulties getting suitable replacement green tiles. The reclaimed ones are very limited in quantities available and the remaining life of any reclaimed is questionable.”

But the council said: “The current application is a resubmission without amendment, so the applicant has not sought to overcome the reason for refusal.

“The loss of the green glazed tiles is regrettable as they form a distinctive feature of this public house and are found on other 1930s Art Deco buildings throughout Saltdean.

“Their loss will therefore impact upon the character and appearance of the building and the area as a whole.”

It was argued that the applicant had only approached a single firm to inquire about the availability of green glazed tile, and though this firm did not stock them, they could be sourced elsewhere.

Councillor Bridget Fishleigh, who represents Saltdean, pointed out that the owners of a nearby house were about to replace 350 of the green tiles on their roof with matching replacements.

She said: “The owners of this home clearly accept the responsibilities and higher costs that come with having a green roof of architectural and heritage value. The Spanish Lady should also.”