A developer has submitted a fresh application to demolish the Crown Inn pub in Old Hill, West Midlands, to make way for a new convenience store, despite previous rejection by Sandwell Council.
The Crown Inn, located on Station Road, closed in June 2025. Sham Singh, the developer behind the proposal, initially sought permission to replace the pub with a single-storey, 338 square metre shop accompanied by a 10-space car park. Sandwell Council declined the application, citing plans for future residential or employment development on the site.
Sandwell Council first designated the land at Station Road and Waterfall Lane for over 190 new homes more than 15 years ago. However, with fragmented land ownership and multiple parties either unwilling or unable to sell, no concrete development plans have materialised.
In his renewed application and appeal to government planning inspectors, Mr Singh contends that the council’s refusal was unfounded. He argues that the planners have effectively acknowledged the intended housing density is unachievable on the site or in the surrounding area.
A supporting letter included with the appeal states there is “no credible argument” that the proposed shop conflicts with the council’s planning policies. It further suggests the proposed retail outlet could better support the area’s employment function than the current pub use.
The local authority’s updated development plans, which were delayed following the collapse of the joint Black Country Plan in 2022, are yet to be published. The land is anticipated to be designated for employment use within these plans.
Last year, planning officers recommended refusal of the initial application, highlighting concerns that the development would undermine allocations for housing and employment land within Sandwell. The report emphasised there is no recognised need for additional retail provision locally, given existing facilities and the site’s proximity to established retail centres.
Mr Singh’s appeal argues that the proposal meets key retail criteria, and that there is no requirement to demonstrate retail need in such cases. He asserts that the scheme would enhance the local business environment by providing a high-quality convenience retail offering.
The decision on the renewed planning application and the appeal to government inspectors is awaited, with significant interest from local residents and stakeholders in the future of the site.