Cradley Heath pub could be demolished to make way for new shop

New plans reveal that Sham Singh’s application to Sandwell Council includes knocking down the Crown Inn on Station Road, Old Hill for a shop.

The empty pub would be demolished and replaced with the single-storey 338 square metre shop and 10-space car park.

A statement included with the application said: “The proposed development provides new small-scale retail and commercial floorspace of direct benefit to the locality and on a site wholly appropriate for such a purpose which will both support the day-to-day needs of the proposed development [and] local community.

“The proposals will maximise the use of the brownfield site by bringing a longstanding vacant and derelict site into beneficial retail use.

“The existing building currently contributes poorly to its urban environment, is becoming an increasing eye sore in the local community and has been a location for vandalism.

“In its current condition, the site has a negative impact on the townscape and appearance of the local area.

“The proposal will allow for nearby residents to access a retail facility by foot, which is not currently possible, as such reducing the local dependency on private car use.

The council had earmarked land in Station Road and Waterfall Lane as a potential site for more than 190 homes in the future, but with the land currently under a range of ownerships and with many looking to redevelop or unwilling to sell, no solid plans are expected for at least the next 15 years.

The land is expected to be included for employment use in the council’s updated development plans.