Planners approve new Sedgley gastro pub

Sedgley is set to get a new gastro pub after Dudley Council planners approved a change of use for a High Street unit.

The unit is located in the centre of the town, has a shop on the ground floor and two storeys of residential accommodation above.

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The shop unit has not been open since 2021 which agent Complete Design says shows there is a lack of demand for retail units.

In a statement supporting the application, Complete Design said: “Internally, a bar, kitchen and toilet area would be created with a new acoustic suspended ceiling installed throughout to safeguard residential properties above. 

“The entrance from Dudley Road would be retained along with the loading entrance to the rear. 

“Loading will be through the rear access between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. 

“The proposal wouldn’t involve any external elevational changes so the appearance of the building would remain unaltered by the proposal.”

The new bar would be open from 10am until midnight seven days per week and create two full-time jobs. 

A report from council officers on the proposal said: “It is considered that the proposal accords with the objectives of the Black Country Core Strategy and Dudley Borough Development Plan and would not have any detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the centre.

“Furthermore, subject to conditions, local residents or highway safety would not be detrimentally affected by the proposal.”

Dudley planners have also given their approval for the conversion of three classrooms at The Kingswinford School, Water Street, to a gym and a dance studio.

Council planning officers concluded the changes were to the interior of the buildings only and did not alter the established educational use of the school so did not require full planning permission and a certificate of lawful development was issued.