Empty Rowley Regis pub could be demolished to make way for assisted living facility

The latest plan by Kuldeep Marwaha on behalf of Marsons Oakham Developments would still see the former Wheatsheaf pub in Turners Hill, Rowley Regis, demolished but would be replaced with 19 assisted living flats instead of the 20 flats approved in 2023.

A plan to demolish the pub, which closed in 2019, for a three-storey block with 20 ‘ultra modern’ flats was put forward in 2022 but not approved until 18 months later and the work has not been carried out.

The new plans include a communal lounge and a 23-space car park.

Up to 20 staff from West Bromwich-based Select Lifestyles would provide one-to-one care during the day, the application said.

A statement included with the application said: “Demolition of the existing building will enable a new residential development to be accommodated in sustainably bringing back into use a redundant vacant site in Rowley Regis.

“It is proposed that the new scheme will enhance the local area and provide modern apartment living within a suitable location.

“The introduction of new apartment enhances community development whilst providing muchneeded accommodation for a growing population, offering diverse housing options that are both modern and efficient.

“Overall, the development represents a positive and strategic investment in the area’s long-term residential and planning strategy.”

The plans for 20 flats were approved by Sandwell Council’s planning committee despite a number of objections.

There were concerns about the flats plan by Jugraaj Singh with some objectors saying that two dozen more cars using the “perilous” and “dangerous” four-way junction on the corner of Turners Hill would be a recipe for disaster.

Objectors had also said the surrounding streets were already congested and the application did not provide enough parking space for visitors. This would also make the already congested roads during busy pick-up and drop-off times at nearby Oakham Primary School even worse, the objectors said.

But highways officers at Sandwell Council said they had “no serious safety concerns” about the plan and stated that the building’s former use as a pub would have attracted more cars than the proposed flats.

The council’s highways department also said that parking spaces for visitors to the flats could be “comfortably” accommodated on nearby streets.

The ‘ultra-modern’ design of the three-storey building also came into criticism from the dozen objectors.

Planning officers at Sandwell Council had welcomed the move and had recommended to the planning committee it should be approved.

“The development will not harm the openness of the Rowley Hills, provides a good quality scheme that would deliver much needed homes within the borough and raises no amenity issues,” the council said.

A planning application was first submitted to the council in 2022 which included a ground floor shop as well as a number of flats.

The application was later redrawn after receiving criticism and scrapped the shop for extra flats.