Empty West Bromwich pub to be turned into flats

An empty pub is set to be turned into flats after plans were backed by the council. The former Halfway House pub in Old Meeting Street, West Bromwich, is to be refurbished and turned into new flats as part of plans by Birmingham-based developer KB1 Homes.

The plans, which have been approved by Sandwell Council, include building a two-storey extension and converting the former pub into nine one-bed flats. Just one car park was included in the application, with developer KB1 Homes arguing the former pub is in a “very sustainable” location and tenants would find “ample space” in Brett Street, Greswold Street and Old Meeting Street, near Jesson playing fields.

Highways officers from Sandwell Council said the use of nearby on-street parking is acceptable. A disabled parking space will be built as part of the plans. Plans for the former pub show nine one-bedroom apartments ranging from 40sq m to 64sq m for one and two people. A shared outdoor space and bicycle storage would also be built.

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A statement included in the application said the move would provide “good quality and affordable accommodation”, which remains in keeping with the area. “There are no adverse effects on neighboring facilities or existing apartments,” the statement said.

“The site is in a highly sustainable location for public transport with excellent access to local amenities and there is sufficient off-site parking in the immediate area.” The developer said it hoped to emulate work carried out at a nearby former pub, the New Talbot in Hill Top, which was converted into nine flats after it closed.

“The proposal has been designed to be in keeping with the existing premises and adjacent street scene and for a high quality sustainable development with suitable materials,” the application continued. In the proposed ridge, the eaves and the placement of the extension in line with the main building allow for a natural addition, while allowing the original built form of the public house to be identified.

“There are examples of other two and three storey developments in the immediate area which are similar to the proposal, a notable one being The New Talbot, Black Lane.”

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