Plans submitted for car wash at derelict pub site

A fire-ravaged landmark Black Country pub could be demolished to make way for a car wash business.

The Boat Inn, in Bentley Road South, Darlaston, has been empty since 2006 and was gutted by a fire after an arson attack in 2007. An unauthorised car wash was set up on the car park of the site and was closed down last year after a council crackdown.

Applicant Altin Gjura has now submitted an application to Walsall Council to demolish the pub to legitimately start the enterprise.

Agent David Jerrison said in the design and access statement submitted on behalf of Mr Gjura: "The public house will be demolished on the grounds of it being unsafe and uneconomic to restore. The proposal will provide a much-needed tidy-up of the existing car park and pub site, the site is in a very prominent location on Bentley Road South."

The application proposes to use portable buildings for the customers waiting room and for an office.

Bentley and Darlaston North Councillor Keith Chambers said: "I think we have got enough legal car washes in the area. We certainly don't need another one. It's up to the owner to clear the site and do something constructive with it."