Plans to turn real ale pub into convenience store thrown out
PLANS to convert a real-ale pub near Dudley into a convenience store have been refused by planning officers.
The Old Chainyard in Coseley was at risk of closure, with operators Red Oak Taverns seeking planning permission ahead of a plan to sell the site to supermarket giant Asda.
Dudley Council however refused the plan on March 12, saying that it was not an efficient use of the site and it would have a detrimental impact on the appearance of the area.
Concerns were also raised about road safety, with the site being situated on the busy Castle Street.
34 objections were lodged to the plans, including one by MP Antonia Bance who said: 'Our Black Country locals are vital to our community and need to be protected.'
The plans proposed for the single-storey extension at the back of the pub to be demolished and replaced with a larger rear and side extension to increase the floorspace.
The planning officer's report said while the development would retain the early 20th-century building, the removal of an internal staircase would render the upper floor inaccessible and therefore fail to 'futureproof the heritage asset'.
It also said: 'Due to the inappropriate design of the large single storey rear extension and the lack of enhancement to the frontage would detract significantly from the appearance of the existing building.'
The planning officer noted that the plans had only made provision for 11 car parking spaces, when a development of this nature would require 24, with the shortfall of 13 spaces raising 'unacceptable highway safety concerns'.
The planning officer's report also said: 'The proposed development fails to achieve safe access and serving arrangements for the convenience store with delivery vehicles proposed to exit the site onto Castle Street and being directed through the narrow busy local centre where on street parking is prevalent and in direct contravention of an existing Traffic Regulation Order.
'The proposed development would have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.'
The planning officer's report reached the conclusion: 'The proposed development fails to make efficient use of the site and is not deemed to be acceptable in design terms.
'There are also substantive concerns in relation to highway safety, parking, servicing and design.'
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