Plans to turn former pub into Hindu temple
A former Oldbury pub could be transformed into a Hindu temple under plans lodged with Sandwell Council.
The vacant Merrivale Pub, in Vicarage Road, will be given a new lease of life under the proposals.
The pub has sat empty for nearly five years and is described as an ‘eyesore’ in planning papers.
Now applicant, Mr Anand, wants to keep the building and use its historic features as part of a planned renovation.
The report, submitted to the council, said: “The building was formerly utilised as a public house but has been left vacant and derelict for the past four to five years and is becoming as increasing eye sore for local residents and location for vandalism and other non-socially acceptable behaviour.
“The building is in reasonable condition, however is in need of a second lease of life, the Hindu committee are seeking change of use application with possible future proposals to renovate the building taking in to an account its architectural style and maintain as many of the original features as possible.”
The pub was formerly used by the community and also held live events.
Under the new proposals, the temple would cater for up to 250 people at peak gatherings, the report said.
But these numbers would only gather at the spot once a month. It is also expected the temple would attract crowds of 100 to 120 worshippers every Sunday.
Warley MP John Spellar said Sandwell Council would need to consider factors like parking when deciding on the plans.
He said: “This pub has been a local eyesore for some time. Obviously the planning committee would need to look at parking in the area. But the pub has been an eyesore for the past five years and it is causing a lot of complaints from local residents.”
The application will be decided by Sandwell’s planning committee at an upcoming meeting.
