Housing plans for two former pub sites in Bloxwich updated
An ongoing concern over the lack of progress at a former pub site in Walsall was brought to a council meeting this week.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Councillor Michael Coulson, representing the Bloxwich West ward, asked for an update about the former Leathern Bottle site in Mossley, now derelict and a magnet for fly tipping and antisocial behaviour.
The Cresswell Crescent site was previously the subject of a planning permission granted to SEP Properties in 2012 for a mixed-use development including flats, retail units, and a replacement pub.
The building was demolished to make way for the development but no construction took place.
In January 2025 councillor Andrian Andrew, deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, said housing plans to transform the site were expected by the end of February.
But no application has been submitted so far. Councillor Andrew accused councillor Coulson of ‘grandstanding’ when asking for the update earlier this week.
Councillor Andrew said: “The owners of the Leathern Bottle are still talking to a social provider in terms of getting a deal put together and a planning application put in.
“Based on the information I had at the time, I was led to understand that an application would have been in by the end of February.
“Sadly I don’t have the power to influence the private sector to force them to put a planning application in.
“If this was a real concern to you, rather than grandstanding. You could have asked me about this directly.”
Councillor Coulson responded: “It’s not grandstanding. It’s standing up for the residents in my ward, councillor Andrew.
“As you know, 15 years of a derelict site by a primary school causes low morale of the people of Mossley. You can call it grandstanding but I’m going to keep asking until we get a proper use on that site.”
Councillor Coulson also asked for an update on the Royal British Legion site at Broad Lane Gardens.
The RBL closed its doors in 2024 and formally disposed of the site later that year.
The current leaseholders are working with Walsall Housing Group to develop 39 homes on the site.
Councillor Andrew said: “The freehold of the former Royal British Legion pub is owned by the council. It’s leased out and there is a problem with Japanese knotweed there.
“At the moment, what’s happening now, the lease holders are working with Walsall Housing Group to try and bring a development forward of 39 properties.”
