Closure date set for much-loved Dudley real ale pub as battle over Asda plans is lost - despite 400 objections
A much-loved Black Country real ale pub will close in the new year, after retail giant Asda triumphed in its plan to turn it into a supermarket.
More than 400 people had lodged objections over plans to convert The Old Chainyard in Coseley into a food store.
The battle appeared to have been won in April, when Dudley Council refused planning permission. But the building's owner, Red Oak Taverns,. appealed to the Government's planning inspectorate, and the decision was overturned.
Landlady Amanda Fisher, who has kept the pub for nine years, has now announced the pub will close on January 11, five days before she will be required to hand the keys back to Red Oak.
The Old Chainyards appeared in the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) Good Beer Guide for seven of the nine years that Miss Fisher ran it.
She told customers: "After many years of serving our wonderful community, The Old Chainyard Pub will be closing its doors for good on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
"It’s been an incredible journey filled with memories, laughter, and pints shared. The keys will be officially handed back on Friday, January 16.
"Thank you to everyone who made this place feel like home. We are all a family, and I will miss the pub, and you all, dearly."
But in June last year Red Oak Taverns, which leases the pub to Miss Fisher, told her it had agreed a deal with Asda, subject to planning permission.
She was told that if the plans were approved, the pub would be sold and she would have to leave.
The scheme will see the building extended at the rear to provide 3,634 sq ft of floorspace.
Almost 400 people signed a petition organised by customer Owen Cope opposing the supermarket plan.
He 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."
A total of 39 written objections were received by Dudley Council, including one from Tipton and Wednesbury MP Antonia Bance. John Corser, chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale in Dudley and South Staffordshire, had also objected to the plan.
The council refused permission for the supermarket on the grounds of road safety, and the impact the scheme would have on a 'heritage asset'. But Red Oak amended the plan and submitted further evidence, which satisfied the planning inspector.
Miss Fisher said she was 'heartbroken' at news she would have to leave the pub.
Red Oak Taverns also made an application that Dudley Council should pay the cost of the appeal.
- You can find out more about planning applications and planned roadworks where you live. Visit publicnoticeportal.uk.
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