The Black Cock Inn, a landmark pub on Green Lane in Walsall Wood, could be demolished to make way for 13 new homes, according to the latest plans submitted to Walsall Council. The pub has been vacant since its closure around the time of the pandemic and has since fallen into dereliction, becoming a target for vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
Details of the Housing Development
Applicant CCCD Developments Limited has proposed demolishing the pub and building six two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom homes. The plans include direct access to four units and a private driveway to a further five units off Green Lane, as well as another private driveway to the remaining four plots off Oakwood Close. If approved, each home will have two designated car parking spaces.
History of the Pub
Heritage consultant Richard K Morriss noted that the plans follow a period of 'disruption and turmoil' for the hospitality sector after the credit crunch in the mid-noughties, economic uncertainties from leaving the EU, and the final nail in the coffin: the Covid-19 pandemic. The present Black Cock Inn was built in the early 1930s as a replacement for the original pub, which had suffered structural damage believed to be caused by subsidence from activities at Walsall Wood Colliery. The existing building is not locally or nationally listed.
Green Belt and Local Impact
Part of the housing development site lies within the green belt. Agent Advance Land and Planning Ltd said: 'This proposed scheme on vacant land which has ceased to provide any benefit to the local area, will provide much needed supported living accommodation within reach of local amenities, facilities and with good transport links. This in turn will encourage greater activity in the area to support the local economy. In addition, the development of this site will improve and enhance the appearance of the area and allow existing services to benefit from a larger neighbourhood population.'
