Another bid to turn an empty Walsall pub into housing after push back by council

A former Walsall pub that has stood empty since the pandemic could be converted into new homes.

If approved, the plans will see the Royal Oak on Oxford Street converted into seven apartments, with two semi-detached houses being built on land behind the building.

Two access points are detailed in the application, an in-and-out access point from Oxford Street and an exit-only route onto Prince Street.

It’s the second application submitted by Laxmi Properties to Walsall Council to redevelop the building.

The company put forward a similar proposal in 2024 which included seven flats within the pub and two houses to the rear.

Agent Cedar Planning said prior to its closure the owner made several attempts to make the pub more viable but was unsuccessful.

It also said there was a lack of interest from buyers who wished to operate the property as a public house.

At the time, it was noted that potential buyers were put off because the building required a full refurbishment programme.

Walsall Council refused the previous application on the grounds of no ecological assessment, the proposal did not provide sufficient number of parking spaces and it failed to meet access width requirements.

Walsall Council is expected to make a decision on the latest application next month.