Pub plan given go ahead

Members of Walsall Council’s planning committee went against their own officer’s recommendations to approve the proposal to build seven five-bedroom homes in place of the former Three Crowns Inn on Sutton Road.

Planning officers also said the application went against national policy for development on green belt land and the decision will now go to the secretary of state for a review.

They had recommended refusal because they said the applicants had failed to demonstrate any strategic benefits to the overall development that would outweigh the importance of protecting the site.

Despite the building not being listed, conservation officers said the Three Crowns Inn was worthy of such status.

But the majority of councillors on the committee were convinced by arguments that the building was in a poor condition and would continue to deteriorate if it was left as it is.

They also said the development would provide welcome housing to satisfy demand in the area.

By Gurdip Thandi, Local Democracy Reporter