Plans to demolish the vacant Crown Inn pub in Old Hill, situated on Station Road, have been rejected by Sandwell Council. The application, submitted by Sham Singh, aimed to replace the empty pub with a new single-storey shop covering 338 square metres and a car park with ten spaces. The council’s decision stems from its long-term vision for the land, which includes potential housing or employment development.
In a report detailing the rejection, council planners emphasized that the proposed development would undermine existing allocations for housing and employment within the borough. The report noted, “The development would […] result in the loss of much-needed available land for such uses,” highlighting that the area already meets its retail needs through existing provisions and its proximity to a retail centre.
The council had previously earmarked land along Station Road and Waterfall Lane for more than 190 homes in future plans. However, the land is currently fragmented among various owners, complicating any immediate redevelopment efforts. As it stands, solid plans for the site may not materialize for at least the next 15 years. The area is expected to be included in the council’s updated development plans aimed at enhancing employment opportunities.
Statements included in the application argued for the benefits of the proposed shop, suggesting it would provide essential retail and commercial space for the local community. The developers claimed that revitalizing the long-vacant site would reduce dependency on private transport, as nearby residents would have access to a retail facility within walking distance.
The application also pointed out that the existing structure has become an eyesore, contributing negatively to the urban landscape of Old Hill. The developers contended that the site has suffered from vandalism and has been a longstanding source of concern for local residents.
Despite these assertions, the council determined that the application lacked sufficient information to satisfy required sequential and impact tests. It was concluded that the proposal had not adequately demonstrated that it could not be located in a more central area, nor had it shown that it would not adversely impact existing retail provisions.
The rejection of this application reflects Sandwell Council’s commitment to sustainable planning and development that prioritizes the community’s long-term needs over short-term retail gains. As the council moves forward with its development agenda, residents and stakeholders will continue to monitor the fate of the Crown Inn site and its potential transformation in the coming years.
