Black Country pub could be a new Tesco in proposals
Plans to transform a Black Country pub into a Tesco Express look set to be given the go-ahead by planning chiefs – despite nearly 300 people signing a petition against the move.
The Gate Hangs Well pub in Hurst Road in Hurst Hill, will be transformed into a shop under the proposals which bosses say will create 20 new jobs.
It is the latest in a series of openings planned by the supermarket giant in the area with stores also due to open in Bradmore and Claregate in Wolverhampton.
A new Tesco is also set to open in Stourbridge before the end of the year on the site of the former Crown Centre in a move which will create 320 jobs.
The plans for Hurst Hill will go before the city council's planning committee on Tuesday.
Concerns raised by the 294 local residents who signed the petition include potential parking problems on surrounding streets, and noise from deliveries early morning and late at night.
Residents are also worried about increased litter and say that there is no need for the store, as there are already a number of shops in the area.
Applications have been made to install a new shop front, cash machine and access ramp, along with plant equipment at the back, surrounded by fencing. The car park will also be resurfaced to provide 19 spaces, including two staff spaces.
New lights will also be set up. A report to the meeting states: "Aside from the parade of shops to the east of the site the surrounding area is predominantly residential.
"The closest house shares its side boundary with the west side of the site and in particular the service yard.
"It is not considered that the proposed works would have a detrimental impact upon the existing relationship between the two properties."
Spring Vale councillor Malcolm Gwinnett, a former mayor of Wolverhampton, said that in one sense he would prefer it to remain a pub but he thought that it could provide some benefits.
The report says the pub has "no significant architectural or historic qualities" and does not need to be restored.
The store would be restricted to opening between the hours of 7am and 11pm Monday to Sunday if planning permission is granted.
Deliveries would only be allowed from 7am to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
