New use put forward for derelict pub
Wednesday 29th July 2009, 8:00PM BST.
A derelict Black Country pub which was once poised to become an all-night casino is instead set to be turned into a wedding and community centre.
The Barleycorn in Smethwick has been empty for more than three years and residents fought to prevent it being turned into a casino.
But a new owner has applied for permission to host weddings there instead.
In 2006, residents battled to prevent the premises getting a licence to play music into the early hours.
Today, people living near to The Barleycorn in Bearwood Road said they were keen to support the new venture but did not want noise on their doorsteps.
Stuart Scott, a retired software consultant of Marlborough Road, said: “My main concern is the parking.
“If these sorts of events were happening once every so often, it would not be a problem but they will be happening every night at weekends.”
Bearwood councillor Steve Eling said: “The car park would get very full up as it is at the moment. The premises would also need to have a new licence if the owners wanted to sell alcohol there.”
Owner Zabraan Aslam said: “It will be a multi-function venue. As well as weddings, we want to have dance classes and yoga.
“We will make sure that there is adequate parking.”
Residents had fought against plans by Halesowen-based Blue Chip Casinos to open a casino. The firm won its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate but never secured a gambling licence.
Sandwell Council’s policy is to not allow any more casinos in the borough.
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Since when has Smethwick been part of the Black Country? It has always been a suburb of Birmingham, and it still is in spite of what the E&S state! You can’t re-write history like that!
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Well get yoursef a black country map and see, and no it was in Staffordshire and then merged with oldbury, rowley regis to form warley.It has never been a part of birmingham ,also its not re writing history just stating a fact.
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As a local resident living just a stones throw away from the Barley Corn, I was sad to see this historic building become derelict, so I’m thrilled for it to be redeveloped and believe it will be a great boost for the area, as well as attracting new income to the surrounding & independent shops.
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Smethwick has NEVER been part of Birmingham, so how on earth can it be a “suburb of Birmingham”!?
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Just make sure Abbey ward councillors are not involved in this project, it will be flattened like that beautiful old pub the Kings Highway.
Jim of Bearwood
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Jim of Bearwood, your comments are always so relevant and insightful. You know so much about the planning process and about how much influence councillors can have on a perfectly legitimate application! You must have such a big brain to be so clever and erudite.
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The only connection Abbey ward councillors have to this is that Ann Jaron is chair of the Planning Committee.
The Barleycorn is in Soho & Victoria ward.
The Kings Highway was in Old Warley ward, so doesn’t really have any relevance other than it’s an old pub far too big for the modern market.
In fact, why Steve Eling got his knickers in a twist over the casino application as well, I don’t know – it’s not his ward. If I was one of the Soho & Victoria ward councillors, I’d be pretty annoyed if the neighbouring dude was sticking his beak in on none of his business.
If it hasn’t yet got planning permission, why has work already started?
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Connor Davies, wow you’re so knowledgeable so Ann Jaron had nothing at all to do with the demise of the Kings Highway Pub then???? It was someone else? It always is with Sandwell’s Labour Council, it’s always someone else’s fault.
And Ann Jaron isn’t part of a Labour Council that has caused mayhem in the borough through their pig headed attitude and refusal to consult with the electorate?
And to strike fear into me you throw in the odd impressive word like erudite, respect to you sir, as you may have guessed I am just a mere peasant so don’t use long words like that.
Connor Davies notice I didn’t mention the fiasco with that monstrosity “The Public”
Jim of Bearwood
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