Plans to convert 'unviable' pub into flats filed - residents urged to make voices heard

Five flats have been proposed for the Brook Inn on Bourne Street, Woodsetton, a pub which dates back to 1835 and run by the Tully family for nearly 100 years.

Under the application by Joshid Ahmed, three one-bed, a two-bed and a three-bed homes are proposed, with a two-storey rear extension replacing the existing extension also included in the plans submitted to Dudley Council.

Explaining the proposal, the applicant said: "The proposed conversion of the public house to residential apartments is due to the lack of demand for its current use."

Reasons given include a change in working patterns since the pandemic, higher running costs, competition from supermarkets. The application also notes: "The younger generations of the local adult population now have readily available alternative means of social communication and socializing, thus reducing the need to attend public houses to meet and communicate with their friendship groups," and "changing social trends, including greater respect for drink driving law and increased consciousness over health".

14 parking spaces are included in the plans, which the applicant says will be "unlikely an increase on-street parking demand within the area", while cycle racks are proposed too.

The application concludes: "Due to current trends socially and economically, with higher cost of beverages and fewer punters, the business, trading as Brook Inn public house, is no longer a viable one. The forecasts for the future will follow the same trend, due to the changes mentioned above and hence the owners feel it is the right time to close off the business and convert the building into a more viable use.

"The conversion to residential apartments is very attractive due to the current demands for good quality housing, and will help plug the shortfall within the Borough and nationwide in general."

Upper Gornal and Woodsetton Ward Councillor Adam Aston has urged residents to look at the planning documents on the council website and make their feelings known about the plans.

He wrote: "Woodsetton folk, to make you aware, the Council has received a planning application to convert ‘The Brook’ pub (built in 1835) into a residential dwelling comprising of 5 apartments.

"The planning documents can be accessed on the link below using the planning reference number P23/0770.

"Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Councillor Adam Aston."

One resident has already registered her objection to the plans, saying she was sad to hear about the potential disappearance of a old pub.

Helen Hughes wrote: "Very sad to find out about the above planning application.

"Another beautiful, quirky old pub full of history and character to potentially disappear from our community forever.

"We have visited the Brook regularly under the new landlords, have taken friends, have had brilliant afternoons in their wonderful, family friendly beer garden and we are looking forward to many more.

"It has so much potential as a pub and with the new housing estate opposite bringing 72 new families to the area, I feel a trick is being missed with the possibility of the Brook being a central community hub for the estate.

"At what point will we start putting a price on our history and culture as opposed to short term profits and greed.

"Following the recent demolition of the Crooked House, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: 'We believe that great pubs have immense cultural and historical value here in the West Midlands and we should be taking steps to protect and preserve their heritage'.

"Take note, Dudley Council Planning Committee."

To find out more and to register a comment, go to shorturl.at/abrH3.