A retail company which saw its bid to put a shop on a pub car park defeated by a community campaign has returned with new plans to build a house on the site.

A Co-op store was originally planned to go next to the Haden Cross pub in Cradley Heath but was refused due to the weight of objections in the area. Residents felt the arrival of the shop would have been damaging to the pub because of a loss of available parking.

New River Retail, which bought the pub from Marston's, now wants to build a semi-detached house on the site in Halesowen Road. However campaigners say they believe the company is simply determined to make money from the land after the Co-op bid failed.

Tim Haskey, a member of the 'Friends of Haden Cross' group said he was waiting to meet with officials from the developers to find out what impact the house would have on the pub. It is believed it would take up around eight parking spaces.

The group secured an Asset for Community Value for the pub, including the car park, which makes any unwanted development more difficult. Mr Haskey said:

"We are considering our position with this application. New River's asset development director has agreed to meet with us to discuss the planning application.

"The questions we want to raise are what it will mean for the pub and whether they are prepared to invest in the pub to help it flourish and grow. We will reserve our judgement on this until we meet with New River Retail."

New River bought dozens of pubs from Marston's in 2013, leading to string of applications for shops either to replace watering holes or be built on their car parks.