Ex-pub to be place of worship for Hindus in Wolverhampton
Planning chiefs have approved proposals to transform a former Wolverhampton pub into a Hindu place of worship – despite hundreds of residents objecting to the plans.
More than 400 people had objected to Long Acres pub in Dilloways Lane being turned into community base for meditation, prayer, day care, education classes and leisure activities.
The pub has been empty for three years after losing its licence and closing in 2010.
The new proposals had been earmarked for approval before a Wolverhampton City Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday. Ahead of the decision, a petition of 179 signatures was handed to the council, following on from a 139-person petition delivered last month.
Residents said Dilloways Lane was part of a quiet residential area but that the Hindu place of worship would turn it into a busy main street.
The council received 95 letters of objection, with noise disturbance and visual impact among the issues raised.
However, councillors rubber-stamped the plans, which include two single-storey extensions to the current building and space for 67 cars to park.
During the meeting, Councillor John Rowley, of Blakenhall ward, said: "It was a busy pub and community use is appropriate for it."
The place of worship will be open from 8am to 8pm and it is anticipated up to 30 people will visit on weekdays and 150 at weekends. Applicant Kuldip Bansal says weddings and funerals are not expected to be frequent or attended by large numbers.
After the meeting Dorothy Parton, of the Broadlands estate, claimed councillors had not listened to the concerns of residents. She said: "We've got more than 400 objections – if that isn't enough, then what is?"
