Plan to convert pub to store resubmitted

A controversial plan to convert a Coseley pub into an Asda convenience store is back on the agenda.

Dudley Council planners rejected a scheme to convert The Old Chainyard pub on Castle Street into a store in March 2025.

The building’s owners, Red Oak Taverns Ltd, have already lodged an appeal against the decision with the government’s planning Inspectorate but in the meantime another planning application has been submitted for a change of use to a store.

The new application includes a detailed traffic report from the applicant which argues there  are no highways or transport reasons to refuse the application and a survey, also commissioned by the applicant, which says there are no alternative sites for a new store close to The Old Chainyard.

Labour MP for Tipton and Wednesbury, Antonia Bance, opposed the original development plan is encouraging people to object to the new application.

On X, Ms Bance said: “The owners of The Old Chainyard Pub have submitted another planning application after a community campaign stopped its conversion into an Asda. I’ll write to oppose it again.”

She highlighted the original application in the House of Commons in January 2025 during a debate with Lucy Powell, Leader of the House.

Ms Bance said: “I was disappointed to hear of plans to close The Old Chainyard pub in Coseley in my constituency to make way for yet another convenience store. 

“Will the Leader of the House give her support to campaigners in Coseley fighting the closure of their local.”

Ms Powell replied saying pubs played a vital role in communities as a focal point and while not specifically backing the Coseley campaign she added the government supported pubs by cutting tax on draught beers.

Tax cuts may not be enough to save The Old Chainyard; in their submission for the appeal, which has yet to be decided, CPC Ltd for the appellant argue the pub is not financially viable and no other community users had come forward.

The CPC Ltd report added: “The appellant would argue that it is far better for the local economy for the building to remain in commercial use rather than, for example, it to be converted to residential use.”