Crime-hit Wolverhampton pubs to be transformed into homes

The fire-ravaged Bushbury Arms in Showell Circus, Wolverhampton, will be given a new lease of life along with The Villiers Arms in Bilston, where a man was attacked in 2009.

Two separate applications have been made to the city council, and both have been recommended for approval by planning chiefs.

The Villiers Arms in Villiers Square would become 13 apartments, with two semi-detached houses behind, while The Bushbury Arms would be 10 apartments, with four further flats and 24 houses also being built on the site. Both pubs have been closed for a number of years.

In January 2009, a 28-year-old man was attacked in the street outside The Villiers. At the time, police built up a dossier of violence at the pub, saying there had been 'several incidents of drunk behaviour, fighting and two incidents of substantial disorder at the premises'.

The pub later closed down and residents say they are glad a new use is being found for the site.

Ward councillor Phil Page said: "I think residents would prefer to have the pub used for a development rather than have it remain derelict.

"We have had a few pubs in Bilston that have attracted anti-social behaviour when they have been empty, so turning it into apartments has to be better than that.

"It's on a really good estate with quite a few elderly residents so it does nothing for the area if there are run down buildings left there."

A report by planning officer Andy Carter states: "The proposal will result in the loss of a community facility. However the applicant has provided evidence that there is no longer a need for the facility and that the continued use of this site to provide a community meeting place would not be economically viable.

"There are also nearby public houses and community facilities to meet local needs."

The Bushbury Arms has been the target of a series of arson attacks, including one in December 2013 that badly damaged the bar area just weeks after the nearby Strykers bowling alley had burnt down.

Council bosses argue the building, which was built in 1928, would be preserved by the development.

Mr Carter states: "The pub closed a number of years ago and has suffered arson attacks since.

"Following a period of unsuccessful marketing to continue the use as a pub, it was concluded that it would be economically unviable, and an alternative use was required to retain the building.

"The regeneration benefits of the proposals, and conversion of locally significant building outweigh the loss of the community meeting place."

The city council planning meeting takes place on January 20.