Dozens object against plans to turn popular Black Country real-ale pub into supermarket

The Old Chainyard in Coseley,. which has been run by Amanda Fisher for the past nine years, has regularly features in the Campaign for Real Ale's Good Beer Guide, where it has been praised for its ales, regular beer festivals and lively atmosphere.

But Miss Fisher was informed in June that Red Oak Taverns, which owns the freehold of the pub, had agreed to sell the building to Asda subject to planning permission being granted.

Last month a planning application was lodged with Dudley Council, and 29 objections have now been submitted.

The proposals would see the pub extended at the rear to provide 3,634 sq ft of floorspace.

John Corser, chairman of the Dudley and South Staffordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), said the pub was an important community asset in the Coseley area.

"It is one of the few real ale pubs in the area, and serves an important role in putting on events in the local community," he said.

"It is well used by regulars and visited by Camra members from across the West Midlands and further afield."

Paul Morgan, from Birmingham, said he regularly visited the pub when in the area. 

"I would urge the council not to let another pub fall to an unnecessary, unwanted development," he said.

Liam Walton, of Highfields Drive, Coseley, said there was no need for another supermarket in the area. He said losing the pub would harm the community. 

Alana Mehmi of Mitchell Avenue, Coseley, feared the supermarket would cause traffic problems.

Fiona Nicholls of Langley Avenue, said the Old Chainyard was important to the community.

"Local people meet and socialise together," she said. "It prevents loneliness in many older people."

Martin  Wookey, of Roseville Court, added: "This has been a long-time community asset for the area. It brings the community together, and allows those who live alone to socialise, and the pub is a success."

The pub is still trading, but Miss Fisher said she was likely to be given three months to quit once planning permission is granted.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of the The Old Chainyard pub,” she wrote on the pub’s Facebook page. “Unfortunately the rumours are true. Red Oak has sold The Old Chainyard. It is hard to put into words how I feel, apart from saying, my customers are my family.”

A planning statement by CPC said that the pub was designated a ‘community facility’, meaning it was necessary to demonstrate that there were sufficient alternatives in the catchment area. Its report said there were 11 pubs within 1.4km of the Masons Arms in Warminster – more than 100 miles away.

The applicant also submitted a viability report by Savills surveyors, which described the pub as being in poor condition, in need of a £418,166 refurbishment, and a kitchen extension costing £110,000.

“The pub is currently trading, but we understand the existing tenant has struggled significantly to make the pub a success and viable operation in the current market,” said the report.

“Public houses such as The Old Chainyard have suffered more than others since the economic downturn of 2008 and more recently 2023, due to them not having the economies of scale to compete with the large managed-house operations.”

The report identified 20 pubs which were correctly within a five-mile radius of The Old Chainyard.

Surveyor Francis Meredith said: “I therefore see no real need for locals to venture to the pub given the additional services and facilities offered elsewhere from other pub operators.“I do not consider that the property would attract any significant additional trade, even if refurbished, and would struggle to compete with the surrounding competition.”