Update on controversial plan to convert Black Country real-ale pub into Asda

Paul Dransfield, of Chainyards Developments, has asked for permission to alter plans to convert the former Old Chain Yard pub in Coseley into an Asda branch.

A campaign by regulars to save the pub appeared to have been won in March last year, when Dudley Council refused permission for the supermarket plan. More than 400 people had objected to the supermarket plan, including Antonia Bance, MP for Tipton and Wednesbury, and the Campaign for Real Ale.

Customer Owen Cope, who had organised a petition against the supermarket plan, said: "I have been going to The Old Chainyard for years myself, and will miss seeing the life and soul of the Coseley area. Locals, regulars, and new customers alike will all miss this beloved pub."

But the joy was short-lived after the building's owner, Red Oak Taverns, appealed to the Government's planning inspectorate, and the decision was overturned.

Landlady Amanda Fisher, who had kept the pub for nine years, was given notice to quit, and the pub closed in January.

She said she was ‘heartbroken’ by the decision.

Permission has been granted for an extension to the rear of the building, providing 3,634 sq ft of floorspace.

The new plans will see amendments to the roof layout, replacing a parapet roof design with a pitched roof and fascia.

A side path and external staircase have also been removed from the plans to be replaced with an internal ceiling hatch. The door providing first-floor access on the south-west elevation has also been deleted from the plans, along with changes to the materials used for had landscaping.

The revised application will now be considered by Dudley Council’s planning department.