Netherton pub saved from demolition over heritage concerns

Planning officials moved to stop the demolition of the Bunch of Bluebells in Netherton, Dudley, and insist the building should be left standing.

In refusing the application, the officer stated the the pub contributes to ‘local character and distinctiveness of Netherton’.

While a ward councillor said the building had been vandalised and rubbish dumped on the grounds.

An officer’s report said: “The proposal to demolish the Heritage Asset would result in the total loss of significance of the heritage asset and loss of a positive part of the Borough’s townscape.

“The applicant has failed to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental gains of the proposed scheme, particularly in the absence of clear and convincing justification for the loss of the heritage asset and the negative impact this will have on the local character and distinctiveness of the area or justification for the proposed replacement scheme.

“The proposal fails to respond adequately to the local character, distinctiveness and context of the local area and as such is considered not to be sustainable development.”

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “We have a history to be proud of in Dudley borough and it’s important we ensure that decisions that affect the future of buildings or other assets with historical significance are taken with due consideration.

“In this case, we received an application for the demolition of the Bunch of Bluebells pub, which we refused due to lack of evidence of what benefits the demolition would bring, the fact it would result in losing a piece of local heritage and no plans are in place for the future use of the site once demotion occurred.”

Quarry Bank & Dudley Wood ward Councillor Bryan Cotterill, added: “I have received comformation the application to demolish the Bunch of Bluebells has been turned down. I understand the authority will be discussing the site with the owners.”