New homes set for Walsall pub car park

Walsall Council’s planning committee are expected to approve plans submitted by Punch Partnerships for the two properties at Shire Oak Inn, Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood.

The company said it would be “business as usual” for the pub and added that the current licensee supported their proposals.

An existing beer garden will continue to serve the venue while 42 parking spaces will be retained for the pub.

In their application to the authority, Punch said: “The application seeks to make better use of an underutilised area of the Shire Oak’s car park whilst contributing to the local housing need.

“The Shire Oak’s car park will be reconfigured to retain 42 parking spaces with a layout that better serves patrons of the pub and the publicans.

“This is sufficient to maintain the operational requirements of the Shire Oak going forward.

“The Shire Oak’s beer garden will be retained in its entirety, again, maintaining the pub’s operational requirements and ensuring ‘business-as-usual’ going forward.

“The tenant of the Shire Oak and current operator of the business has offered their wholehearted support for the scheme and the confidence in the ongoing viability of the pub.”

Two neighbouring residents objected to the proposal with concerns over the loss of spaces to serve the pub, as well as concerns the houses would result in on-street parking on adjacent Chester Road.

But planning officers said parking spaces would be provided on site when the houses are constructed.

They added the residential development would be separated from the pub, with different access for both and have recommended committee members grant approval.