A landmark Hendon pub, granted heritage status by Barnet Council earlier this year, is to be demolished after canny developers exploited a loophole.

The Load of Hay pub in Brent Street, has been closed for several months but was added to Barnet Council's local list of buildings of architectural or historic interest in April this year.

The council can protect local list buildings by taking their status into account when considering planning applications, but they have no power if the building is up for demolition.

Built in 1923, the pub's black and white mock Tudor exterior has long been a well known feature in Hendon but on Monday the wooden beams of the former Scottish and Newcastle pub will go tumbing to the ground courtesy of its new owners Lakefine Ltd.

Consultants Weatherall Green & Smith refused to comment on the move.

But Councillor Monroe Palmer, cabinet member for development and regeneration was incensed by the action.

He said: "By seeking to knock it down in this manner the developer is using a loophole to get round the wishes of local people that this site be treated with special care.

"We are considering urgently what steps we can take before Monday."