Pub extension and three flats at The Royal Oak, Portobello, Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The scheme proposed a pub extension, fire escape, three one-bedroom flats above the pub and new boundary treatments.

“The applicant has submitted amended plans and confirmed the current proposal: • Single-storey extension to pub. • External fire escape stair. • Convert first-floor apartment into three one-bedroom flats. • New boundary treatments (walls and railings). Further public consultation has been undertaken following amendments.”

“The existing five-bedroom apartment on the first floor would be converted into three, one bedroom apartments, with a separate resident access and fire escape. The existing car park would be split into two areas, separated by landscaped amenity space for both pub customers and residents. The larger car park (16 spaces) would be accessed from Vaughan Road. The smaller car park (6 spaces) would be accessed from New Street.”

Officer report

What people and consultees said

Three objections and one neutral comment raised concerns about losing a community facility, enforcement, highway safety and transparency; consultees raised no objections subject to conditions.

“Final round of consultation on amended proposal, including the conversion of the existing first floor apartment into three one bedroom apartments. Three objections and one neutral comment were received, and these are summarised as follows: • Loss of community facility, enforcement issues, highway safety, transparency.”

“West Midlands Police – no objections, subject to conditions including tenant vetting, tenancy management, resident-only access to first floor apartments, noise disturbance mitigation between pub and apartments, external lighting, and CCTV.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer outlined the application, and the applicant’s supporter addressed the committee in support.

What members considered

Members welcomed the build quality, restoration of part of the building as a pub, community facility and reduction in flat numbers.

“The Planning Officer responded to questions asked.”

“Committee members felt that the quality of the build was good and welcomed the preservation of part of the building to be reinstated as a public house, providing a facility for the community and removing a vacant property. The reduction to the number of flats was also noted. Councillor Alan Butt moved the recommendations within the report and Councillor Zareena Russell seconded the recommendations.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission subject to conditions covering materials, parking, security, management, noise, ventilation and completion of communal facilities.

“Resolved: That planning application 24/01332/FUL be granted subject to following conditions: • Materials. • Provision of external amenity space. • Drainage. • Coal Mining Risk Assessment and mitigation. • Provision of car park spaces. • Bin stores. • Cycle stores. • Provision of boundary treatments. • Construction management plan. • Tenant Vetting and Tenancy Management Scheme. • Management and maintenance plan for car parking, apartments and external communal spaces.”

Minutes