Sandwell pub site moves closer

Plans to build a 50-bed care home on the site of a demolished Sandwell pub have moved a step closer.

Council planners have now approved an application for outdoor storage buildings alongside the proposed development on the site of the former Tibbington Arms in Tipton.

Orchard Care has already been given planning approval for the main building on the corner of Central Avenue and Sycamore Road.

Its latest application, approved by officers under delegated powers, includes an 8ft store on the north west side of the sit onto Sycamore Road, with a 6.5ft bin store to be built on the south east boundary within the new car park area off Central Avenue.

The Tibbington Arms stood for 70 years before Orchard Care were given the green light to flatted it last October.

It faced dwindling custom before its closure, while previous plans to turn it into 20 apartments failed to materialise.

Plans from Orchard Care are for a three-storey residential home, with landscaping and a car park for 12 vehicles.

A report to Sandwell Council from Orchard Care states that there is a need for a purpose-built care facility for older people in the area.

Up to 40 jobs could be created when the care home opens, with three quarters of those full-time positions.

According to developers, the majority of new jobs would be filled by suitable candidates from within the local area while future residents would preferably come from within a three mile radius of the home.

In a report, planning and design manager Alistair Wood, said: "The proposed scheme should provide a development and site treatment that would positively contribute to and enhance the immediate area, whilst offering a necessary and important local community service."