Asda wins fight to turn well-known Black Country pub into supermarket, despite 400 objections

They thought the battle had been won in April when Dudley Council refused planning permission for the Old Chainyard to be redevloped.

But Red Oak Taverns, which owns the building, appealed to the planning inspectorate, which has now overturned the decision.

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Landlady Amanda Fisher, who had been at the pub for the past nine years, said she was 'heartbroken' by the news.

The Old Chainyard has featured in the Campaign for Real Ale's Good Beer Guide for seven of the nine years since Miss Fisher took over, and has become known for its community events and regular beer festivals.

But in June last year the Red Oak pub company, which leases the pub to Miss Fisher, told her it had agreed a deal with Asda, subject to planning permission.

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'. One of the concerns was that the staircase of the pub would be removed, meaning that the first floor of the building would no longer be accessible. But the company amended the plan to include an external staircase, which the inspector said had addressed that matter.

The inspector said that the applicant had also submitted further information about road access, and amended the layout, which had addressed the council's objections on highway safety.

The ruling said that while the development did represent a substantial extension to the existing building, it would be shielded from view. It said an 'unsympathetic' extension to the side of the pub would be removed, improving its appearance.

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.