An abandoned pub in the Black Country, which became a magnet for crime and disturbance, is set to be demolished to make way for new housing.
Council acts on 'numerous' complaints
Sandwell Council has granted permission to knock down the former Perry Hill Tavern on Perry Hill Road in Oldbury. The decision follows what the council described as "numerous" complaints from the local community about the state of the building and the activities taking place there.
The planning application was submitted after contact from the council's own planning enforcement officers. It states the primary aim is to stop the "dilapidated" building from continuing as a focal point for anti-social behaviour. The pub closed last year and has stood empty since, with the application noting it is broken into weekly, causing damage and disturbance to neighbours.
Housing plans for the vacant site
While the approved application is solely for demolition, it clearly indicates the future intent for the land. The site's owners have stated that a full application to build new homes will be submitted to the local authority "in the not too distant future."
Early proposals, presented to the council in the summer of 2025, suggested the potential for 34 homes to be constructed once the pub is cleared. The demolition is described as an effort to make the site safe and free from disturbance as quickly as possible while the detailed housing plans are finalised.
End of the road for community asset
The documents reveal the pub is no longer considered a viable community hub. A statement within the application concluded: "It no longer furthers the social well-being or interests of the community and has an unrealistic prospect of a future community use. As such, the pub is no longer an asset of community value."
In a final twist, the council had approved a separate application from pub company Stonegate as recently as April 2025 to replace signage for the Sitaar restaurant with new Perry Hill Tavern signs. The pub was put up for sale in the same month, but evidently found no buyer willing to return it to its original use.
