Homes plan for Walsall pub car park

Applicant Andrew Carter has put forward plans to create a pair of three-bedroom semi-detached houses on a ‘redundant’ part of the Saddlers Arms car park on Fishley Lane.

A previous plan was refused by Walsall Council and a subsequent appeal by the developer was rejected by the planning inspectorate in 2001.

It was previously refused for reasons including officers believing it represented a cramped, over-development of the site and the small size of the proposed gardens.

But Mr Carter said amendments have been made to address concerns and believes the housing will fit in with the area and enable the retention of the pub, which has stood there for 70 years.

If planning officers do grant permission, it would leave the pub with 10 off-street car parking spaces.

Agents Town Planning Expert said: “The applicant has given careful consideration of the retention of the community use within the host building and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the viability of the larger public house.

“With a view that this development will assist in retaining the public house use on its own site and having regard to the previous planning decision the applicant considers that the use of part of the car parking is an effective way to bring forward a small housing site and preserve the public house use.

“The proposed development represents an opportunity to provide two additional family homes within the district and preserve a public house use that has existed on the site for the last 70 years.

“Further this can be done in a manner that would not have a substantive impact on the amenity of the adjoining occupiers or the appearance of the street.”

Walsall Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the plan in September.