Councillors to decide on demolishing the Friar Park Inn for shops and flats after neighbor complaints in Wednesbury.
Councillors will decide on the plan soon. Neighbors have voiced some objections, and Sandwell Council had approved demolition earlier, over two years ago.
Neighbors worry about privacy loss, and four objections were officially raised. The council’s planning group meets Wednesday to vote on the application.
Planning officers suggest approval. The area has shops and homes already, and the plan adds retail and housing options without harming current residents.
Demolition got the green light in 2022. The pub sat empty, and people complained about the site’s condition. This prompted the demolition application, but it still stands, causing more complaints.
SEP Properties wants to build, proposing 14 flats and a shop. The pub is on Crankhall Lane, and the building will be three stories tall, with spaces for 35 cars.
SEP Properties bought the pub in 2022 for £495,000, quickly filing the demolition plans. The new building will have good retail space and provide new homes for those in Friar Park.
More housing is coming to Friar Park as part of an “urban village” plan. The project includes 600 new homes, and they also want to improve the community center. A developer plans 105 homes near High Point Academy.