‘Cramped’ flat and shop plan at site of former Walsall pub rejected
A bid to create a small shop and flat in a row of businesses on a busy Walsall road has been thrown out by planners.
Developer SK Khera had wanted to complete a previous conversion of the old Kings Arms pub in West Bromwich Street by adding a new unit next to four shops which have already been created.
But the proposal has been refused by Walsall Council planning officers who cited a number of reasons for the decision.
These included the flat being too small and below the required national standards, insufficient information provided on parking and the shop frontage harming the Caldmore Conservation Area.
They said: “There are also no windows to the kitchen and bathroom. The scheme could create a cramped and constrained living environment that would be harmful to occupants and fail to provide a healthy and optimal living environment.”
In the application, the developer said: “The former public house has been converted into four shops each with a flat above, under previous planning approvals.
“Additionally there was a land swap with Walsall Council for mutual benefits that allowed access from Spout Lane rather than the busier West Bromwich Street access; together with integral parking to the rear of the building.
“The land to the rear of the site is council owned and has been a car park for some years.
“The land swap increased the council’s car parking area and access but also removed features that were attracting vagrancy and refuse dumping.
“The Kings Arms conversion has improved the street scene in West Bromwich Street and Spout Lane and hopefully reduced nuisance, littering and rubbish dumping which was prevalent before the land swap and building alterations.
“The applicant wishes to complete the conversion of this site with an infill shop and flat. The conversion of the main building was agreed under previous permissions.
“It is proposed to duplicate the current traditional external appearance and features for the proposed infill.”
