The King's Head in Pulham St Mary was brought ahead of the judges after owner Graham Scott announced he would proceed with demolition despite being refused planning permission four times.

South Norfolk Council was forced to seek urgent legal action after learning Mr Scott planned to ignore refusals and demolish the building anyway.

Graham Scott inside the old King's Head pub in Pulham St Mary (Image: Denise Bradley)

Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council, said the authority had tried to work collaboratively with the owner but had a duty to protect the area’s listed buildings.

"The historic towns and villages of South Norfolk are a valuable asset for us all," he said. 

"When we were made aware that Mr Scott was planning to demolish the pub we had to act to save the building and that is exactly what we did."

The High Court ruling marks the latest twist in a standoff which has been brewing for nearly two decades. 

The pub was closed in 2007 (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2012)

Pulham St Mary has a population of around 900 (Image: Nick Butcher)

Mr Scott, who closed the pub in 2007 claiming it had become "loss-making", has repeatedly sought permission to demolish the building and replace it with housing. 

The 18th-century building sits in a conservation area in the heart of the picturesque village, making its demolition particularly contentious among locals.

His most recent application in 2024 sparked fierce opposition, with nearly 1,000 residents signing a petition against the plans.

The council's latest refusal permission concluded that demolition would result in "total loss" of the listed building and harm the conservation area with no "clear and convincing justification" provided.

The ruling was made by the High Court on Wednsday (Image: Supplied)

District councillor Clayton Hudson addressing a public meeting in 2015 about the future of the redundant Kings Head Inn. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Following his fourth refusal, Mr Scott demanded the council buy the property, claiming he was facing “financial ruin” due to the planning impasse. 

He has maintained he has support from the "majority of residents" and argues the site would provide much-needed housing.

However, district councillor Clayton Hudson has urged Mr Scott to sit down with the community “to collectively work to develop a plan to bring this wonderful listed building back to its former glory".

© Eastern Daily Press