Joy from supporters as Cradley Heath pub secures extended protection against redevelopment
Supporters of a Cradley Heath pub have been celebrating after it received a renewal of a special protection listing.
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The Friends of Haden Cross have been celebrating the renewal of the Asset of Community Value (ACV) listing by Sandwell Council, a listing which offers a further five years of additional protection against attempts to change the usage of the pub.
The Haden Cross Inn was first listed as an ACV in 2015 when the then-owners New River Retail attempted to build a Co-op store on the site, a proposal which provoked a furious response from its users and neighbours.
The Friends of Haden Cross was formed to fight the proposed development and rallied the support of local councillors and then-MP James Morris, with the campaign even being discussed in the House of Commons.
Chair Jim Mumford said that 500 locals signed a petition against the plan and 48 local residents took the time to make individual protests to Sandwell Council’s Planning Committee.
He said: "We were quite certain that the proposal to build a Co-op would have severely damaged the pub’s viability and its function as a valued community asset.
"The ACV listing lasts five years and was renewed in 2020 and again now in 2025 with protection extended to 2030."
Licensee Nicola Griffiths said she was delighted that the pub’s listing has been extended for another five years.
She said: "Apart from the obvious reasons of providing a friendly space for people to gather and socialise with good food and drink, we feel that we are community focused in many ways.
"We frequently host family groups for all sorts of reasons from parties and anniversaries to graduations and wakes. Themed discos and live music by local artists are regular events.
"There is also a Bereavement Support Group who meet regularly to offer mutual support during difficult times."
Pub Manager Matt Carey said the pub was intent on moving forwards as a community venue.
He said: "We already have a well-used beer garden complete with wide screen TV for major sporting events and we are well on the way with a new children’s play area so our family users can relax and enjoy the fresh air.
"We are happy to host the long-established Coombs Wood Book Club which meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7.30 pm in our Lounge."
