Row over nightclub smoking shelter ends up in court

Zara’s owner Pete Sangha claims the council had a personal vendetta against him Credit: BPM Media

A nightclub on Broad Street in Birmingham is being taken to court, after refusing to tear down a smoking shelter that the city council has branded "too big", and the Victorian Society calls "heritage vandalism".

Zara's is based in the former Islington Glassworks building, which is Grade II listed and dates back to 1815. The 24 foot shelter is attached to the front of the building.

Representatives from the club are due at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday. They face three planning enforcement charges.

The dispute over the shelter has been running for three years.

Zara’s owner Pete Sangha claims the council had a personal vendetta against him and says other businesses have been allowed to adapt historic listed buildings.

Mr Sangha says the shelter should be treated as a temporary structure, like a marquee, because it can be dismantled in less than two days.

He says it needs to be big, because his venue can hold 1,250 people. And that it can't be put at the back, as there is not enough room there.

Mr Sangha says the shelter should be treated as a temporary structure Credit: BPM Media

But the Victorian Society has complained, saying it has ruined views of the hospital, which dates from 1814.

The council said it would not comment ahead of the court case.