B&B plan for empty pub to be approved

Proposals to turn a derelict West Bromwich pub into a bed and breakfast hotel and steak house are set to be approved by planners next week.

The Five Ways public house on Seagar Street closed last year after trouble flared on a number of occasions.

These include a brawl involving 20 people. Now plans have been submitted to Sandwell Council for it to be brought back into use as an upmarket restaurant and 11-bedroom hotel. It has been earmarked for approval by the planning committee on Wednesday.

The pub is being transformed by property developer Stewart Bowen. He told the Express & Star £350,000 will be spent on renovations and it is hoped the establishment will be open in time for Christmas.

Father-of-two Mr Bowen, who lives in Stour Street, West Bromwich, said he hopes to give the venue a modern makeover with a new garden. Last January the pub had its licence suspended following a catalogue of violence and disorder on the premises.

A design and access statement submitted to the council details that it is proposed to convert the first floor of the building into 11 double ensuite rooms.

The ground floor is to stay largely unaltered with the exception of renovation work and will be used as a pub and to serve food.