One of the region's oldest desi pubs will be demolished and replaced with a block of flats. Desi 2 in Oldbury Road, Smethwick, will be knocked down to make way for 22 flats after plans submitted by Redland Bay were approved by Sandwell Council.
Pub Struggled After Pandemic
The planning application said the pub, which was sold to the applicant in October last year, has been struggling for business following the Covid-19 pandemic. The drop in trade was attributed to "financial and operational challenges post-Covid, due to rising costs, changing consumer habits, and a lack of onsite customer car parking."
History of the Venue
The ageing pub, formerly known as the Wagon and Horses before being converted into a desi pub selling Indian grills in the early 2000s, would make way for a four-and-a-half-storey building featuring 22 one-and-two-bedroom flats.
Council Decision
A report outlining the decision by Sandwell Council stated: "The public house is not listed as an asset of community value and planning policy has not objected to its loss or the redevelopment of the site for residential use. The proposal would contribute to providing additional residential accommodation within the borough." The head of highways reviewed the application and raised no objections regarding the suitability of the proposed access or highway safety. The use of the site for residential development and the proposed access arrangements are considered acceptable.
A seven-storey building with 37 flats was ruled out last summer before the application was submitted. A statement included with the application said: "The proposed development will secure the regeneration of a vacant brownfield site within the Smethwick urban area to deliver 22 residential apartments. This represents a development that is consistent with the aims of local and national policy, making best use of an under-utilised site to secure the delivery of much needed dwellings in a sustainable location."
Parking Provisions
A total of 15 parking spaces would be provided to serve the residents in the 22 flats. The council had said that 43 parking spaces would be required if a seven-storey 37-flat block was built after the developer had proposed a no-space 'car free' site. While those plans were later redrawn, the council said it was willing to accept a reduction of between 60 and 80 per cent in spaces under the 22-flat application. The developer had pointed to a proposed 11-storey tower block in Green Street, West Bromwich, which was approved by Sandwell Council with a 57 per cent cut to the usual permitted parking provision. The council maintained that 22 spaces were required, including six visitor spaces, but it was eventually agreed that 15 spaces would be acceptable.
