Battle to save Halesowen pub from being replaced by supermarket in setback

Hundreds of people have signed a petition calling for the Maypole, in Bassnage Road, Halesowen, to be saved, but councillors have been advised to approve proposals to have it bulldozed and replaced with a Co-op store ahead of a crunch meeting next week.

Supporters of the pub have been battling to save it since the Co-op made its intentions to take it over clear.

News of their interest sparked a fierce campaign locally which saw more than 500 people put pen to paper on a petition.

But planning officers at Dudley Council said although the loss of the Maypole would be 'regrettable', it was not a heritage asset.

It is the latest twist in the saga surrounding the future of the Maypole and comes only weeks after the pub was granted asset of community value (ACV) status – by Dudley Council.

Activists were buoyed by securing the ACV, which gives community groups the right to bid for it should it be put up for sale but ultimately does not prevent redevelopment. The Seven Stars in Sedgley was also protected by an ACV but Morrisons was still given permission to turn it into a supermarket.

Councillors on the planning committee are now set to decide the fate of the Maypole next Monday.

A report prepared by council officers ahead of the meeting said the new Co-op store would be beneficial for the area. It said: "The proposed development would not have an adverse impact upon the vitality or viability of nearby local centres or existing stores. The proposed food store would provide a community facility and enhance the range of shopping facilities in the local area whilst providing additional employment opportunities.Whilst the loss of the public house building is regrettable it is not a heritage asset."

Councillor Jeff Hill said: "Although the asset of community value helps and demonstrates the pub serves a very useful purpose, it is not a watertight guarantee."