Homes plan for closed ‘anti-social’ pub site next to A5
An empty Walsall pub that has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour is set to be demolished to make way for housing.
The White Horse pub in Brownhills has stood empty for more than a year after various tenants failed to make the business successful, with claims they were unable to pay the rent.
But Walsall Council’s planning committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the application to knock it down and build four three-bedroom houses and two apartments.
The original proposal also featured plans to build a shop on site, which prompted a number of objections from neighbours, but the retail element has been dropped from the scheme.
The pub is on the corner of White Horse Road and the A5 Watling Street.
In the application, agents Oakham Design said: “The existing public house is let on a tenancy basis due to the very poor turnover of the business there have been several tenants within a small period all leaving without payment of rent and returning a loss.
“The property suffers from anti-social disturbance with the police attending on a regular basis.
“Given these historic problems with the property it will not be a viable financial proposition to provide an alternative facility.
“The proposed development provides residential opportunities which will provide a positive contribution to the local community and a viable financial proposition.”
A report to the planning committee said: “The site is situated within a well-established residential area where there is already a mix of traditional and modern infill properties, within walking distance of bus routes.
“The site has an existing frontage to White Horse Road and the principle residential development on the site is considered appropriate.”
Members of the planning committee are being recommended to grant approval for the scheme.
