Former Walsall pub to become shops and homes
A former pub and restaurant in Walsall is to be transformed into shops and flats after plans were given the go-ahead.
The former Forge and Fettle on Pleck Road will have its ground floor turned into shops and its upper floor turned into flats in the scheme which has been approved by Walsall Council.
Planners believe the pub could become a target for vandals as it has lay dormant since the Indian restaurant Jeevan Jyot, which replaced the pub, closed a few months ago.
But Pleck councillor Dennis Anson said he will be 'sad to see' the site transformed, adding that the change of use will contribute to 'the loss of heritage' in the Pleck area.
Councillor Anson said: "As a restaurant it was popular and offered a high quality service to residents.
"As a pub it was top notch and I used to love going there.
"I have to say that I am not too keen on the idea, I have seen enough flats go up in this area recently to last me a lifetime.
"I suppose the shops won't be a bad thing but I think this site could have been brought into better use.
"As far as I know this site hasn't attracted vandalism either, it is still in relatively good condition."
Councillor Anson went on to add: "To me it is all part of our heritage being lost over time. It was a place to socialise as a pub and one which was well used.
"As a restaurant it still had that community feel, where people could come together of an evening. Now with this going I think we are left with just one pub in the area and that is a sad state."
On a statement attached to the successful planning application, development agents Architecture Design said: "This is an ideal location for a retail shop, as the site is surrounded by residential properties and the building fronts the main Pleck Road.
"The site also offers ample parking spaces benefiting the proposed use as a retail shop.
"The proposed use as retail shop would be beneficial for the area and economy, as currently the existing building is unoccupied, and if left in this state will result in vandalism of building."
A number of former pubs in Walsall have faced the bulldozer or closed down in recent times.
The Bulls Head in Bloxwich has been shut since 2007 and was devastated by an arson attack in 2011.
It will now be demolished and turned into supported-living apartments. The Imperial in the town centre has also recently closed after 20 years.
