Landmark King Arthur pub in line for £3.5 million revamp

A planning application to knock down the King Arthur pub, which stands on the corner of the Birmingham New Road and Priory Road in Dudley has been lodged with council chiefs.

It comes two years after plans to extend the building to create a hotel were given the go-ahead.

A notice has been put up by the site informing people that an application to demolish the pub has been submitted to Dudley Council.

Ward councillor Alan Finch said he was "shocked" to hear the pub could now be torn down. "I was very surprised to hear the owner now wants to demolish the pub because I know he had big plans for it and wanted to open a hotel.

"I contacted the council's planning department to see if he has submitted any other planning applications but they have only received this one.

"I would like to know what he now has planned for the site and I'm sure many people in Dudley want to know too."

Earlier this year Councillor Finch had called for the pub to be cleared up, saying it had become an eyesore due to crumbling paintwork. But he said today he was saddened by the latest development. He said: "It is a shame because it is a very nice building and would have made a great hotel."

Owner and landlord Amrinder Sandhu was granted planning permission for the £3.5 million hotel project in April 2010.

The scheme for the pub site included extending the building and work had been expected to start that summer.

Mr Sandhu said at the time he needed to develop the site to supplement pub income and to prevent the building from falling into disrepair.

But in September 2010, the pub was put up for sale for £1,350,000 with estate agent Christie & Co but it was later withdrawn from their books.

Mr Sandhu could not be contacted for comment.