191-year-old Wolverhampton pub where Noddy Holder enjoyed a pint could reopen seven years after it shut
A famous pub whose famous customers included Noddy Holder could reopen as a gastropub after lying empty for seven years.
The Old Stag's Head in Penn, Wolverhampton, closed in October 2018 due to falling trade. Plans to convert it into a private house sparked outcry, with more than 300 objections, and planning permission was refused.
But the pub could now get a new lease of life after a planning application was submitted to extend and renovate the dilapidated building, retaining its use as a pub.
Integrated Designs and Associates has drawn up plans to remove two chimneys, build an extension to the rear, and a create a new side entrance to the 191--year-old building in Church Hill.
It could bring new life to a once bustling pub, where Noddy Holder was often seen enjoying a pint.
The company said the building was now in a poor state of repair, and would need extensive renovation.
"Internally the whole building is in a serious state of disrepair," said the architect.
"Floors are bowed and lifted, internal walls and ceilings will also need to be repaired or replaced due to water damage and a lack of maintenance. Windows have rotted and will have to be replaced."
The architect said that in its present condition, the pub looked overgrown and detracted from an otherwise tidy and pleasant area.
"The existing ground floor layout is cramped and sectioned in a way which would not be conducive to our new proposal for a pub with a large emphasis on dining," the architect said in a statement.
"We therefore intend to remove some internal walls to give a light airy open feel to the interior and also allow staff to view all sections with ease."
There would be an extension to the rear to create more customer toilets, the kitchen will be relocated and extended, and a larger, more open bar will also be added, along with a new glass entrance.
Plans to convert the building into a six-bedroom house were rejected in 2022 following more than 300 objections from residents. Campaigners successfully lobbied for the pub to be declared an asset of community value, and a second application to turn the building into a house was rejected last year.
Councillor Paul Singh said the opposition to losing the pub was unprecedented.
"Many hundred objections to the change of use were submitted to the council by the community," he said at the time. "We think this was an all-time record of objections in the city. This really showed the force of the feeling that residents had told me."
In its 1970s heyday, under the stewardship of horse-racing buff Barry Benton and his wife Marlene, the pub became a popular haunt with Wolves footballers and rock stars, including Slade legend Noddy.
Barry famously invited renowned show-jumping horse Pennwood Forge Mill to the opening of a new lounge.
Penn Residents Association previously spoke of the building becoming a 'community hub', possibly including a coffee shop, youth centre, or micro-pub.
Chairman Debbie Peach, said: "For many people living in Penn, The Old Stags Head pub had been an historic, central community hub for much of their lifetime. Fond memories are attached to the place.
"A number of people had their first date there with the person they later married. Many famous rock bands partied at the pub. It is also a building of key importance in the conservation area."
The proposals will now be considered by Wolverhampton Council's planning department.
