Old pub site that has become ‘dumping ground’ in Walsall could be torn down for housing
A crumbling old pub site in Walsall which has become a ‘dumping ground’ could be torn down to make way for new housing.
Applicant PSK Pubs Ltd has put forward a proposal to demolish The Sneyd, on Vernon Way, and build a total of five houses along with parking and gardens.
The site sits in the Green Belt but there is already a development for three new houses being built on the pub’s former car park.
Walsall Council planning officers are currently considering this proposal and are anticipated to make a decision in the New Year.
In the application, PSK said the building suffered fire damage some years ago and has now become a hot bed for people dumping rubbish and committing anti-social behaviour.
Agents JBVJ Architects said: “The site is occupied by a derelict pub which itself has been closed for business for a number years.
“Previously it was occupied by tenants as residential accommodation but has recently been damaged further by a fire incident leaving the state of the building in need of redevelopment.
“Prior to the fire damage, internally the ground floor accommodated two main bar areas, customer toilets, back of property on a raised concrete plinth, and stairs leading to first floor flat accommodation.
“The first floor accommodated a four bedroom flat which occupies approximately 35 per cent of the floor plate of the original ground floor footprint.
“The remainder of the site was occupied by a large car park accommodating up to 50 cars before undergoing redevelopment.
“Currently the derelict nature of the site has meant the site has been used for dumping grounds and not befitting for the green belt locality of the site.
“It has been reported recently that there have been a number of car thefts and fires on the site due to it being a hotspot for youngsters to congregate and gather on the premises.
“The open and un-maintained nature of the site allows this to continue and will only increase the damage to the site.
“Through appropriate analysis and design development the proposal will provide a positive contribution to the street scene and offers economic benefits and high quality housing contributing to the growth of Walsall.
“Creating a high quality residential development will not only fit in well with the existing architectural context, but will also address the issues of the site and enhance the street frontage drastically.
“In addition to this it will contribute to the housing demand and provide much need character homes within the area.”
