Transformation of derelict pub rejected

Fresh plans to transform a derelict Bloxwich pub, where a man was shot two years ago, into shops and flats have been refused.

The Eagle pub at the junction of Cresswell Crescent and Tintern Crescent had been earmarked for an extension to include five shop units on the ground floor and 14 flats on the first and second floor of what is planned to be a three-storey building.

But Dudley-based developers SEP Properties Ltd has been refused permission for the work. The proposed scheme would have increased the size of the building from the existing two storeys to three.

The ground floor would have been predominantly shops or financial and professional services.

The pub has been out of use since 2007 after Stuart Nelson was shot in the leg after a fight broke out on St Patrick's Day.

Since then it has fallen into disrepair and residents and councillors are keen to see it brought back to life.

But the plans are not seen as appropriate by planning officers at the council.

Head of planning David Elsworthy said: "No evidence has been provided to justify the loss of the public house as a community facility and no evidence has been provided to demonstrate that there is a local need for the proposal for retail shops in this out-of-centre location."

Bloxwich councillor Des Pitt said: "We are sympathetic to something being done but not a shopping complex, it will be a honey pot for anti social behaviour.

"This pub is at the gateway to the Mossley estate and we want to see something appropriate, bungalows or something like that."

Previous plans for the site have included building homes for adults with learning difficulties. But the plan for eight residential units for those aged 18-65 in need of supported living was withdrawn after being lodged with Walsall Council.