Plan for Willenhall pub to reopen as store
A landmark pub in Willenhall will close in May and reopen as a convenience store under plans unveiled today.
Pub chain Marston's has applied to transform The British Oak in Lane Head into a shop.
Alterations would be made at the High Road pub, including an extension at the rear, while the car park would be realigned to provide 19 spaces.
A spokesman for Marston's confirmed that if the planning request is granted, the pub would close in May. But he remained tight-lipped over what the store would be.
Walsall CAMRA today said it was regrettable to see a pub closing but added people had to "face reality".
Keith Watkins, the branch's pub preservation officer, said: "Camra doesn't want to see any pubs close but it's inevitable that more will go.
"Sometimes you can argue loss of amenity, such as if you lose the last pub in the village, but sometimes in urban areas where there are a number of pubs it can be difficult to argue for it."
The application is with Walsall Council's planning department.
