Pub landlord in new bid to keep extension

A pub that built a two-storey extension without proper planning permission has launched a fresh bid to keep it, after years of wrangling.

The Windsor Castle, in West Bromwich, was ordered to demolish the function room after only being given permission to add on a single storey.

But pub bosses have threatened to take Sandwell Council to judicial review if their latest retrospective planning application is turned down, following eight years of planning wrangles over the function room.

Owner Ram Lal Chander was ordered to stop using the function room more than two years ago and told to demolish it after his application for retrospective planning permission was turned out, as was an appeal against that decision.

But the latest planning application is for the Sams Lane pub to keep the two storey extension but to block off access to the first floor other than for storage, with the ground floor being kept as a lounge, pool room and small kitchen.

A report from planners The Tyler Parkes Partnership, on behalf of the pub, states: "Planning permission was granted in July 2002 for a single-storey lounge extension and unloading area, without any customer car parking to occupy this yard area.

"Due to apparent misunderstandings regarding the scope of the permsission the owners constructed the two-storey building that is now on the site and the subject of this application."

A letter from the firm adds that the council's "sole objection" over the last few years had been parking positions on the site, but blocking off the first floor would mean it would generate less traffic.

It adds: "Mr Chander is now taking professional planning advice for the first time. It is clear that had he done so earlier the council may not have become embroiled in resolving this longstanding problem."

Ward councillor Bob Badham said the extension had caused disturbance for residents.