Plans to convert popular Black Country pub into supermarket hit with host of objections

Marston's-owned The Seven Stars on Gospel End Road, Sedgley, will be turned into a Morrisons supermarket under the plans.

When the scheme was first revealed to neighbours of the pub in August, it sparked outrage in the community and within two weeks a campaign group gathered more than 1,500 signatures on a petition opposing the idea.

Dudley MP Ian Austin said today he too plans to lobby against the proposal.

"Pubs like the Seven Stars are at the heart of the local community, so I'm disappointed that Marston's is pressing ahead with plans to turn it into a supermarket.

"I'm backing local campaigners all the way on this, and with their help we've already secured extra protection for the pub as an Asset of Community Value.

"Now I'll be working with residents to lobby against this application for change of use and keep The Seven Stars open."

Some of the key concerns raised by objectors to the planning proposal include losing a pub that is still popular within the community and the effect a new supermarket would have on local businesses.

Nearly 30 objections have been made so far.

UKIP councillor Bill Etheridge, who has registered his objections, said: "This development is unwanted by the local residents, will prove disastrous for local businesses and will kill a well loved family pub.

And Ben Smith, of Elmdale Road in Coseley, added: "Absolutely no need for another shop given the location in relation to local amenities."

Another concern amongst residents is based on congestion and parking issues around a nearby school.

Joy Bills, of Woodbank Road, Sedgley, said: "I am very concerned about The Seven Stars being turned into a supermarket.

"The local roads around the nearby schools already have dangerously parked cars, the closure of The Seven Stars, who allow parents to park their cars when taking and collecting their to and from school, will force these parents to park elsewhere, creating even more problems."

The former Banks's pub has undergone a series of refurbishments in recent years.

It is now a one-room pub with the former back bar converted into a dining space.

Another objector, Elaine Doughty, of Woodbank Road, Sedgley, said: "This current building is an asset to the local community, it is a place that locals frequent for all sorts of special occasions.

"It is a land mark for Sedgley, it is used for christenings, funerals and all sorts of occasions to bring the otherwise disentegrated community together."

Morrisons bought the former Safeway store site in High Holborn, Sedgley, a few years ago but sold it to Co-op because it was considered to be too close to its major store at Bilston.