Victory in the battle against store at Black Country pub

Hundreds of people had signed a petition opposing New River Retail's £1million plan for the Co-Operative store next to the Haden Cross Inn in Halesowen Road in Cradley Heath.

The company said the proposal would not alter the pub, but residents feared it could impact the watering hole's future with the number of parking spaces for it reduced from 30 to five.

This week, Sandwell Council planning officers rejected the firm's proposal on the grounds of overdevelopment and a lack of parking.

The store would have had eight car parking spaces.

Tim Haskey, who lives opposite the pub, has led the Friends of Haden Cross Inn group in opposition to the planning application.

The group is holding a public meeting at the pub tonight.

He said: "I am delighted with the news. I would like to think that the community, in getting together and providing a loud voice to express our concerns, was heard and helped influenced the decision.

"The issues were simple. There was no space for the convenience store and we wanted to protect our pub, which is well used by the local community."

The 47-year-old, who works in insurance services, added: "But we are not complacent. We will continue to keep an eye out for any future plan and do what we can to protect our pub."

The campaign group has submitted an application to get the pub recognised as an 'asset of community value'.

Under the listing, the pub has to be offered to the community if put up for sale.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill ward Councillor Anne Shackleton, who has also played a role in the campaign, said this was a victory for residents.

"This is tremendous news for local people because the community have come together to fight this proposal.

"This is an outcome which is right for the neighbourhood and it is a triumph for the local community.

"The campaign will continue to ensure it helps save this valuable public amenity."

New River Retail, which owns the Haden Cross Inn, said the proposals had been designed to help safeguard the pub's future.

The pub was one of more than 200 acquired by New River Retail from Marston's. The new store would have created up to 20 new jobs, according to the firm.

A double garage would have been demolished to help make way for the new store, along with cycle storage, plant and bin storage areas.