Crumbling pub forced to close after being at risk of 'total' collapse to be replaced
A crumbling pub that was forced to close down before it collapsed will now be demolished and replaced with flats.
The empty former Waggon and Horses in Smethwick will be flattened to make way for 11 new flats after the application was given the seal of approval by Sandwell Council’s planning committee.
The pub was forced to close in August 2021 over fears the dilapidated building was at risk of ‘total’ collapse.
The move drew criticism from neighbours with a total of 28 objections submitted ahead of the planning meeting – largely over the lack of car parking spaces.
One objector told councillors at the meeting that “community sentiment was against the proposal” and called for greater public consultation over the future of the site. He also raised concerns over a shortfall in parking spaces.
“The [council] was previously concerned about the lack of visitor parking, so my question is, what has changed now and what was the concern then that is not a concern now?” he asked.
