Asda loses bid to bulldoze Wolverhampton's Goalpost pub

Asda had wanted to tear down the site, now called Lounge 107, but plans were thrown out by planning chiefs earlier this year.

An appeal made by store bosses has now been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The pub, which is close to Molineux, has long been a favourite for Wolves fans on match days.

Today the supermarket said it was 'disappointed' with the decision but remained committed to bringing a petrol station to the area.

Planning inspector Elizabeth Jones has described the proposals as 'harmful' to the street scene and said it would make existing traffic problems worse.

Councillors had heard a host of reasons why plans should be refused when the application went before the planning committee.

A report said the proposal would result in the loss of an attractive corner building. It added that it would also lead to queueing vehicles on Waterloo Road, causing congestion problems, and the proposals would affect the safe free-flow of traffic, particularly at peak times and Wolves match days.

However, a petition of support with more than 300 signatures had also been submitted with the application.

Dismissing Asda's appeal, Inspector Jones said: "The proposal would appear obtrusive and harmful to the special character of the street scene.

"I therefore consider that the proposal would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area."

She added that the proposal would be 'harmful to the living conditions of nearby residents and that there would be an impact on congestion.

"Overall, it seems to me that given the interaction of the of the existing nearby junctions and the controlled pedestrian crossing the proposal would result in congestion in and around the petrol station, with the likelihood of traffic queuing on Waterloo Road and would be detrimental to highway safety," added Inspector Jones, who also said the proposal would exacerbate congestion on match days and would be harmful to the 'safe and efficient operation' of the highway network.

Wolverhampton council leader Roger Lawrence, who was among those opposed to the proposals, today said he was 'pleased' with the outcome.

"I'm very pleased that they have supported the planning committee and I think the petrol station there would have caused no end of traffic and highways problems," he said.

"I am pleased with that and I hope that it will continue to be used as a local amenity because we have lost two or three public houses in that area over recent years."

A spokesperson for Asda said: "Whilst naturally disappointed with the Inspector's dismissal of our appeal, we respect the decision made. We remain committed to Wolverhampton and will explore other opportunities for bringing a petrol station to the store; something our customers continually tell us they would like to see."

The area has already seen the loss of two traditional Wolves pubs - The Wanderer and The Feathers.