Shop and flats plan for West Bromwich pub closed over gangs and drugs
An old West Bromwich town centre pub which was closed down due to issues with drugs and gangs could be converted into a shop and apartment block.
Sandwell Council planners are considering a plan to turn the old Star and Garter on the High Street into a new shop, with 60 flats above.
If the application, by Paragon Properties, is approved, the development will see a nine-storey building erected on the prominent site.
The pub, which is currently being demolished, was shut down permanently in 2016 by West Midlands Police and declared a ‘no-go-zone’ due to issues suffered there.
Two years after it closed, plans were put forward for a 39-apartment scheme to replace the pub but this has now been revised and a larger proposed development put forward.
The new scheme is looking to create 29 one-bedroom and 31 two-bedroom apartments. No parking spaces are being allocated but cycle storage will be provided on site.
Agents Zebra Architects said: “The Star and Garter Public House is located at the centre of West Bromwich, at the busy junction between the High Street and West Bromwich Ringway.
“The pub itself has been permanently closed since July 2016. Prior to this it had been linked with a growing spate of anti-social behaviour in and around the town.
“The proposal is for a mixed use development comprising one large retail unit at ground floor and 60 residential units throughout the eight upper storeys.
“The proposed building design has been heavily influenced by the structure and architectural hierarchy of the main high street and the nearby Grade-II listed church.
“Following various design iterations, it was decided that the most appropriate response to this multi-faceted urban site was a building which imbued simplicity and a clear rhythm.
“Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council supports high quality, energy efficient, sustainable development and is flexible in its approach to the application of policy, recognising that different buildings require different solutions.
“The proposed development clearly supports both national and local policy and delivers sustainable new buildings which will provide additional economic, social and environmental benefits to the local and wider area.
“The proposed new development will aim to provide a comfortable, healthy and functional environment for the building’s users and residents.
“There will be many direct health benefits from the proposals not least of which will be increased exercise through supporting increased walking and cycling.
“It is also anticipated that by improving access to the town centre there will be a boost to the local economy, the benefits of which could be reinvested in local services.”
