Plan to transform former Walsall Wood pub which has been shut for several years into new flats to be rejected

Representatives for the developer said the pub had been struggling before it closed, adding the new block would provide much needed housing.

But the plan has drawn objections from some people living nearby who have raised concerns including the loss of as heritage asset, an increase in traffic, lack of parking on the site, loss of privacy, noise and impact on trees on the site.

In a report to committee, which meets on September 7 to discuss the application, officers have recommended refusal.

Their reasons include the loss of a non-designated heritage asset, an over-development of the site and impact on traffic.

The site also falls with 15km of the Cannock Chase Special Area Of Conservation for which no mitigation measures have been presented to help protect the beauty spot.

Agent Lapworth Architects said: “Whilst the Boatman’s Rest was open up until the recent pandemic, it had been struggling to achieve the same numbers of patrons as before and business was declining.

“Furthermore, the company that ran the pub, AK and RK Ltd, have been insolvent for the last six months.

“For this reason, reopening the public house is not economically viable for the Applicant as they would require a good level of business all year round.

“As the building currently stands, it is a derelict public house with a neglected overall site which requires a change of use to restore the character and greenness that is present within the area.

“We feel that our proposal demonstrates a suitable response to theimmediate area whilst also ensuring there is a not a detrimental effect on the local community by the loss of the Boatman’s Rest public house.

“The proposed new development seeks to utilise a vacant site to provide much needed housing.

“The proposal seeks to provide a positive enhancement to the plot and thus the local area.

“The proposals have been chosen to be sensitive to the history of the site and site surroundings and take cues from the architecture that exists.

“Furthermore it is considered that the proposed development would not harm the special details identified on the listed buildings on the nearby road, their setting, nor the character and appearance of the conservation area adjacent to the site.”