Former site of arson-hit Walsall pub earmarked for new homes

The Dolphin Inn in Goscote Lane went up in flames in 2006 - and since then plans have repeatedly stalled to develop the land however nothing has got off the ground.

The pub was demolished soon after the fire and proposals were originally drawn up for an apartment block to be built there.

But 18 houses are now earmarked for there instead under the fresh plans that are going before council bosses on Thursday.

Members of the Walsall Council planning committee have been recommended to approve the plans.

The site of the old pub which is at the junction of Goscote Lane and Slacky Lane had become a target for vandals and fly-tippers.

The land has attracted yobs who used bricks from the former pub as missiles to hit drivers.

The fire in December 2006 destroyed 90 per cent of the roof and left the building unsafe. The pub was closed at the time.

Council officers have backed the plans in a report to go before councillors at the meeting but have raised concerns about the amount of noise residents of the new properties would be exposed to.

A report to the planning committee states: "The properties are likely to be affected by road traffic noise given their proximity to Goscote Lane and Slacky Lane."

It went on to read: "It is recommended that the structure of the proposed premises, including glazing and ventilation to habitable rooms that overlook GoscoteLane and Slacky Lane achieve a good level of sound reduction. An acoustic report has been submitted in support of the proposals."

A scheme for 39 two and three-bedroom apartments was first proposed in 2008 but was turned down after layout concerns.

Then proposals for 26 homes on the land were drawn up but stalled - and the site has still not been developed.