Work to replace derelict Walsall pub with apartments to start in autumn
Long-awaited work to redevelop an old McDonald’s restaurant and former pub site in Brownhills is set to start in the autumn.
The former Warreners Arms building will be demolished to make way for a 45-apartment scheme through a project by Fitzpatrick Group and Walsall Housing Group (whg).
It will finally spell the end for the rundown building, which has stood empty for since 2004, with whg confirming the one and two-bedroom flats will be available for affordable rent.
Ward councillors and residents in the area had been calling for action to be taken on the site, which has only had a car wash business operate on there for several years under a temporary planning permission agreement.
The Warreners Arms closed more than two decades ago before McDonald’s took the site over. But the fast food franchise closed the branch 17 years ago.
Rebecca Bennett Casserly, whg corporate director of development, said: “We are delighted to have the approval of Walsall Council’s planning committee for the former Warreners Arms public house.
“These fantastic plans will see a boarded up and unused building transformed into a modern and striking residential development on a prominent corner site in Brownhills.
“The scheme will also address the local demand for smaller, rented accommodation, and will consist of 45 one and two bedroom homes available for affordable rent.
“These will complement “the larger family homes we already have in the area, ensuring that all members of the community are catered for.
“We look forward to seeing work start on site in the Autumn.”
Ward Councillor Stephen Craddock said: “You can see from the lack of objections from all of the parties and the local neighbours and the town that they are going to welcome the site being developed.
“We’re very pleased to see this development go-ahead.”
Walsall Council’s planning committee gave the green light to the proposal at a meeting on Monday, June 22.
