Another transformation for Warreners
A vandalised former pub in Brownhills that was once a fast food restaurant is set to undergo another transformation – to a car sales centre.
New plans have emerged for the former Warreners Arms, which became a McDonald's restaurant before that also closed its doors.
The site already has planning permission for 58 flats, parking bays, communal grounds and access.
But that scheme, which would involve the conversion of the building, has been delayed by developers Supermart Stores Limited due to the credit crunch.
In the interim, the company wants to get temporary permission to set up a car sales business at the site on the corner of High Street and Ogley Road.
A previous request to use it for motor trade and display was refused by Walsall Council in December last year, due to concerns about the opening hours of the venture.
Planning consultant Jonathan Vose, representing Supermart, revealed the latest scheme was essentially a revised application, to temporarily permit for three years to change the use of the site to car sales with amendments for the opening times.
He said: "My client is looking to get temporary consent to put the site into use and eventually wants to put residential development there, but in the current climate that's not financially viable.
"There has been some vandalism at the property."
He added that if permission was granted, it would be with conditions to make the building water tight to protect it from further damage.
McDonald's bought the pub in 1999 but closed down its branch in 2004.
A legal hand car wash is currently in operation at the premises.
Brownhills representative Councillor Barbara Cassidy said: "I am sorry that the scheme for dwellings which was previously approved for the site has not come to fruition.
"I hope whoever goes in there will tidy up the site and make it presentable, because it's been an eyesore.
"Let's hope we get those new homes soon."
