Pub is step closer to revamping former Bearwood bank

Black Country Inns has now submitted an application for a licence at the old HSBC bank in Bearwood.

If granted, it could allow the company to serve alcohol between the hours of 10am and midnight, and opening hours would be between 10am and 12.30am.

The company has also applied for the right to play live and recorded music at the premises on Bearwood Road. Residents' feelings over the plans have been divided since a planning application was submitted for the building around a month ago.

Commenting on a town social networking website Bearwood Blog, one user, Paul Miller, said: "At last, something worthy of support. This is a real fillip after the relentless march of takeaways, charity shops, pound shops, letting agencies etc."

Lyndsey Plant wrote: "Long time coming. Welcomed with open arms."

But others living on nearby Wattis Road have said they fear the development could exacerbate existing problems with litter, anti-social behaviour and noise.

Resident Vicky Stead said she did not think another pub is needed on the high street, because several had already closed and another demolished due to a lack of trade. The 48-year-old said: "I'm not happy with the application at all. It's going to affect house prices in the area."

But as part of their planning application submitted to Sandwell Council, Black Country Inns have claimed the proposal could 'breathe new life' into the building.

A report from the applicant states: "Our clients believe the conversion to a public house would breathe life back into the building."

The planning application could be decided this month, and any representations on the licence should be made by March 12.