An empty pub in Old Hill, Black Country, could be demolished to make way for a new shop despite Sandwell Council’s earlier rejection of the plans. Sham Singh, the applicant, initially proposed to replace the former Crown Inn on Station Road with a single-storey, 338 square metre retail unit and a 10-space car park.
Sandwell Council turned down the application last year, stating that the land was earmarked for future housing or employment developments. According to the council, the proposed retail use does not meet a current need in the area, which is sufficiently served by existing shops, and would undermine vital housing and employment land allocations.
In response, Mr. Singh has appealed the decision to the government’s planning inspectors, who have the authority to overturn the council’s ruling and even award costs if warranted.
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The council’s plans anticipate that the land on Station Road and Waterfall Lane will eventually accommodate over 190 homes. However, with the land under multiple ownerships and mixed redevelopment interests, no firm plans are expected to materialize before 15 years.
A council planner’s report explained: “This development would undermine allocations for housing and employment land within the borough, resulting in the loss of much-needed available land for such uses, whereas there is no recognised need for additional retail provision in the area which is met by existing retail provision and proximity of the site to a retail centre.”
The land is also intended to be designated for employment use in forthcoming council development strategies.
Conversely, the appeal submission argues the project will bring significant benefits to the local community by revitalizing a deteriorating, long-vacant brownfield site. The pub building currently detracts from the area’s appearance and has been subject to vandalism, becoming an eyesore.
Furthermore, the proposal promises to provide convenient local retail access for residents within walking distance, helping reduce reliance on private car travel.
As the appeal process unfolds, the future of the former Crown Inn site remains uncertain, with potential implications for the community’s development and landscape.