Cannock pub to be demolished to make way for new supermarket

Plans have been submitted to Cannock Chase Council to knock down The Ascot Tavern, with proposals for the store and small commercial units.

The pub, on the junction of Ascot Drive and Longford Road is currently trading, however plans to pull it down could be approved by August.

Alongside the new supermarket, are plans to build two retail units which could house shops, offices or local businesses.

Punch Tavern owns the site and a spokesperson for the company said: "As a pub company it is always our preference that our pubs continue to trade as pubs. However, we do review our estate regularly and consider alternative uses for pub sites, under which they might fulfil their potential.

"We can confirm that planning consent is being sought for the Ascot Tavern to rebuild and lease the property which will then operate as a store with a secondary unit. We are in continued negotiations however, at this stage we do not have any formal agreement in place and therefore cannot confirm who the retailer will be. Punch Taverns would welcome any interest from local retailers interested in the second unit"

Cannock South councillor Paul Witton is fiercely against the plans.

He said: "We have already got retail units at Bideford Way and at Longford. Pubs are being destroyed, the community is losing all of its services.

"I think it is a disgrace. It is happening to communities all over, when will it stop? We have too many supermarkets already and the town centre is a ghost town.

"I am completely opposed to it and I think regulars will be too. A pub isn't just a place for a drink, it is a meeting place and where people socialise."

The proposal is to create a single storey unit split into two parts, built in the same position on the site.

The entrance and exit would remain the same but the car park will be reduced to 22 spaces.

There will also be a cycle shelter and a separate pedestrian access to the site.

The exact details of the new store have not been disclosed but retail hours are likely to be 7am until 11pm, with deliveries expected between 7am and 7pm.

Concerns have already been raised about the noise of HGV deliveries.