PLANS to demolish a beloved Bromsgrove pub have been blocked again by district councillors.
The latest application by Greyhound Development Ltd to demolish the former Greyhound Inn, on Rock Hill, was refused by committee members at Bromsgrove District Council.
Developers, part of Catesby Property Group, want to bulldoze the 19th Century pub which was stripped of its ‘community asset’ status this year in a bid to build a ‘traffic congestion easing’ roundabout on the existing T-junction.
Since its closure last April, the site has remained unoccupied and has been the subject of numerous break-ins, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Luke Mallett, Leader of the Bromsgrove Labour Group, said: “This is clearly the right decision by the planning committee.
“We cannot be held to ransom by speculative developers seeking to knock down a heritage asset without any agreed plan for the future of the site.
“These developers need to be held to account for their failure to maintain the Greyhound site effectively, it’s a travesty they have allowed the site to fall into disrepair.”
Despite the setback, Catesby is pressing ahead with its current planning application for 505 new homes. The proposal consideration is pending with the developers anticipating it going before the planning committee early next year.
It comprises of 490 new homes on the Whitford Road site, known as BROM 3 in the adopted Bromsgrove District Plan and includes 15 new homes on part of the former pub site, including demolition of the former pub itself and the creation of a roundabout.
The site was released from the green belt and earmarked for housing following the adoption of the District Plan by the council in January 2017.
David Morris, planning director for Catesby Estates Ltd, said he was disappointed the committee did ‘not follow the planning officers’ recommendations’, saying the benefits of demolishing the building outweighed retaining it.
“We are also disappointed with subsequent comments regarding the security of the site.
“Since purchasing the property 18 months ago and with the full support of West Mercia Police (WMP), we have secured the property in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation.
“The property is secured with metal boards to the rear and WMP do not object to the demolition of the building, which will remove an unsightly blot from the street scene and benefit those living in close proximity to the pub.”
