Grocery store plans to boost Darlaston pub

A prominent Darlaston boozer could have a new grocery store and takeaway built on site to help boost business for the pub.

Walsall Council planners are considering a proposal for an extension to the Fiery Holes Public House on Great Bridge Road in Moxley, which bosses say will secure the future of the venue.

If approved, a two storey extension will be attached to the existing building which will house a convenience store on the ground floor with manager’s accommodation above.

As part of the overall refurbishment, there are also plans to convert part of the existing premises into a hot food takeaway, as well as creating new toilets and extending the pub’s lounge.

Representatives for applicant Harjinder Singh Bagri added the venue would create an additional five full time jobs if it is given the go-ahead.

An application for a similar extension was refused by Walsall Council in 2014 with concerns raised about the design, loss of light for neighbours, impact on transport and worries it would lead to increased crime and disorder.

But this was appealed and the government planning inspectors agreed the applicants had addressed concerns raised and concluded the development could go ahead with conditions applied.

That project didn’t come forward and the applicants said the scale of the proposed store in this new application is less than the previous one.

They added the venue is well served by public transport and within walking distance for many local people, adding CCTV would be installed while the hours of the store will be restricted to 7am and 11pm while the takeaway will open from 11am to 11pm.

Agents Pegasus Group said: “The proposed works provide an opportunity to significantly enhance the vitality and viability of the Fiery Holes public house.

“The public house is an important and prominent business within the local area and the diversification of uses proposed in this application would assist in securing its future.

“The proposed works have carefully complemented the design of the existing building with the necessary provision of improvements to the public house and the addition of a convenience store with accommodation above.

“This will allow expansion of the facilities at the Public House for continued success and contribution to the local economy.

“The proposed development is wholly compliant with the provisions of both national and development plan policy and has overcome the reasons for refusal relating to the previous application.

“It is considered that there are no other planning reasons why planning consent should be withheld and therefore it is respectfully requested that planning permission is granted.”

A decision on the proposal is expected to be made in early November.