Demolition plan for Second World War-founded social club
A historic Halesowen club set up during the Second World War to get around beer rationing faces the end of an era after developers submitted plans to demolish it – and replace it with luxury homes.
The Shenstone Social Club on Kent Road was founded in 1941 but has stood empty for two years after going into liquidation.
Developers have now put forward a planning application to tear down the existing building and build four, five bedroomed homes.
The club was started by local businessmen wanting to circumvent war time regulations which limited the supply of beer to pubs.
It continued after the war but falling membership numbers led it to finally close it doors in 2018.
The site borders the Leasowes Conservation Area and the western part of the site is within the existing green belt.
A design statement submitted to Dudley Council says: “The proposed development would bring vitality back to the currently vacant site that otherwise would remain unused within the Halesowen suburb.
“The design proposes modern accommodation with appropriate spacious living spaces for families to enjoy.
“The massing and layout of the properties respects the local urban grain whilst also ensuring not to encroach within the greenbelt and protected land of the conservation area to the west of the development site.”
The application has led to objections by neighbouring householders who say the plans breech restrictions on the number of buildings allowed on the site and the location of the proposed homes encroach and overlook existing homes on Kent Road.
A decision on the scheme will be made by Dudley’s Development Control Committee.
