Pub could be saved by conservation plan
A historic pub building in Cannock Chase could be saved if ruling councillors agree to extend a conservation area around the site.
A historic pub building in Cannock Chase could be saved if ruling councillors agree to extend a conservation area around the site.
Planning officers at the district council will recommend to the district cabinet next week that the Rugeley conservation area should be extended around the Britannia Inn. The move has come after a campaign to save the 1930s pub. It has been the subject of a planning application, by a developer, to build a flats scheme in place of the pub.
The Britannia has changed hands several times over the last ten years as various owners struggled to make it profitable.
It closed its doors for the final time six weeks ago and owners Punch Taverns put it up for sale.
Rugeley-based Westring Developments, on Etching Hill Road, had applied for outline permission to flatten the pub and build a three storey block of twelve flats and a car park in its place.
The planning application has now been withdrawn and the district council wants to ensure extra protection for the building ahead of any future plans following concern by residents and Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council.
Now councillors will meet on Thursday to consider extending the Talbot Street, Lichfield Street conservation area.
Although this will not prevent the building being flattened the developer will need to convince the council there is no alternative use for the site and that demolition is the best way forward.
The original conservation area, set up in 2002, covers south eastern Rugeley including the railway bridge at the junction of Horsefair and Brereton Road.
Bob Phillips, head of regeneration at the council said the effect of the order would add an extra level of protection for the building.
He said: "We are not considering listing the building at this stage. It is considered that the Britannia would make a positive contribution to the special architectural and historic character of the conservation area.
"The boundary extension would have the effect of protecting the building from demolition and enable the council to consider any subsequent proposals in this light."
