Fire pub had demolition plans approved hours before blaze
A derelict pub was set on fire hours after planning permission was granted to demolish the building.
The former Three Crowns Inn pub, on Sutton Road, Walsall, was set on fire yesterday.
West Midlands Fire Service was called at 2.55pm and 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at its height.
The fire was extinguished by 6pm. Investigations are due to start today into how the fire started.
Plans were approved in March by Walsall Council to knock down the building and replace it with seven five-bedroom homes.
However, because the land is greenbelt, the council had to refer the planning application to the government.
Pheasey Park Farm ward councillor Mike Bird, who is also the leader of Walsall Council, revealed that permission was finally granted yesterday afternoon to demolish the building.
He said: "As the development is on green built, it had to be referred to the government.
"The decision had been delayed under yesterday afternoon."
The fire, which took place hours later, was described as 'severe' by West Midlands Fire Service . Firefighters used three water jets to douse the flames.
Crews returned to the scene this morning to dampen down the site.
