Homes plan for Three Crowns pub site refused

A scheme to convert a Walsall pub into one of the borough's biggest homes and build four £1 million mansions nearby has been thrown out by planning chiefs.

The proposed revamp of the former Three Crowns pub in Sutton Road was turned down at a Walsall Council planning meeting last night after it was judged as an inappropriate development in the green belt.

Revised plans involved a luxury home with indoor swimming pool, six bedrooms, five bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen and gym.

Four other six-bedroom homes worth about £1 million each were planned alongside the 1930s building which closed as a pub more than three years ago.

Mike Lapworth, speaking at the meeting on behalf of the applicants Lapworth Partnership, said it was a good use for the site and a way to retain a landmark building.

St Matthews Councillor Mohammed Arif also spoke in favour of the proposal.

He said: "I would rather see a high-quality development there than apartments."

But more than 30 complaints were registered with the council relating to over-development, loss of green belt and lack of consultation on plans to convert the derelict pub and build new homes.