New supermarket scheme for empty Willenhall pub
Fresh plans have been lodged to transform a derelict pub into a supermarket in Willenhall, with the promise of 10 jobs.
The Brown Jug stands empty in Sandbeds Road, but there are plans to bring it back into use as a convenience store.
The proposals include building extensions to the side and rear of the former pub and the scheme is poised to create three-full time and seven part-time jobs.
The pub has been vacant for more than a year and five months, with plans stating that it has 'deteriorated considerably' and the building has previously been targeted by vandals and fly-tippers.
A previous planning application to extend the pub to provide a function room was rejected by the council on the grounds of potential nuisance to the residents of Winehala Court at the rear.
According to applicant Andrew Rowson, the new application is deemed to be far less intrusive on the occupants of Winehala Court.
A design and access statement, submitted with the plans to Walsall Council, reads: "The application will help to rejuvenate the area in providing a community facility available both to passer-bys and local residents.
"This will help to prevent the premises from being a target for vandalism and/or drug abuse and at the same time will help to create employment within the local area and of course to national suppliers."
Keith Watkins, Walsall Camra's pub preservations officer, said: "This pub has been closed for quite a long time. You couldn't really argue on the grounds of loss of amenity.
"It has been on the market for some time, so anybody who wanted to take it on has had a chance to do that. It's always sad to see a pub close but we do have to be realistic."
Last week it was revealed that landmark pub The British Oak, in Lane Head, Willenhall, could close in May and reopen as a convenience store.
Pub chain Marston's has lodged the application.
Alterations would be made at the High Road pub, including an extension at the rear, while the car park would be realigned to provide 19 spaces.
A spokesman for Marston's confirmed that if the planning request is granted, the pub would close in May. But he remained tight-lipped over what the store would be.
