The Ascot Tavern pub facing demolition despite campaign
A pub which was previously saved following a fierce campaign is now set to be bulldozed.
The Ascot Tavern looks set to disappear from Cannock after plans to knock it down to make way for a shop and a micro-brewery were backed by planning officers.
A bid to turn the pub, on Longford Road, into a shop was blocked in 2016 after locals rallied round to fight the proposals. But it turned out to be only a stay of execution for the once-popular boozer as it closed its doors a year later.
It will now be demolished if councillors give the proposals final backing tonight.
It has been recommended for approval by council officers.
Two new buildings would be built on the site, one to be used as a shop and the other a micro-brewery.
It will signal the end of an era for the area if the pub is razed to the ground.
Cannock South councillor Paul Witton said: "I can't say I'm thrilled with the idea. It was a place for the community to go, not just to drink but to meet socially. It a shame all the pubs are closing.
"We have already got a shop at Longdon, I just can't see why. It doesn't make sense. Competition is fine but where do you draw the line?"
The Ascot Tavern closed in 2017 after being sold to Globe Homes Ltd. Previous owners Punch Taverns wanted to knock the pub down to replace it with a shop before deciding to sell up when the plans were refused.
Dozens of locals came together to launch a campaign to save the pub in 2016 but their joy was only short-lived.
Planning documents, to go before councillors, said: "The proposed building would accommodate a food retail unit and a second, smaller unit. There would be 25 parking spaces to the front and further 3 staff parking spaces to the rear."
