Pub refurbishment at Cleveland Arms Public House, Wolverhampton

What was proposed

The application proposed external redecoration, timber cladding, yard fencing, patio lighting, post-and-chain fencing and two sleeper planters.

“Planning application no. 25/00598/FUL Site Cleveland Arms Public House, Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton, Proposal General redecoration of the building. Replacement of the external tile hanging with timber cladding, new close boarded fencing around yard area to screen bins and chillers, timber posts with festoon lighting to patio area. New post and chain fencing around the perimeter of the patio area, 2 new sleeper planters.”

“The application seeks approval for a various external works which comprises:- general redecoration of the building. Replacement of the external tile hanging with timber cladding, new close boarded fencing around yard area to screen bins and chillers, timber posts with festoon lighting to patio area, new post and chain fencing around the perimeter of the patio area, 2 new sleeper planters. Relevant policy documents…”

Officer report

The site

The public house stands on a corner site with patio areas, a rear beer garden, car parking and access from two roads.

“Summary recommendation 1.1 Grant with conditions 2.0 Application site 2.1 The application site is located on the corner of Willenhall Road and Stowheath Lane. The Cleveland Arms Public House is located towards the centre of the site. The main entrance to The Cleveland Arms is from the front of the building facing towards Willenhall Road.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the works would maintain the existing use, improve the premises and support the continued operation of the public house.

“Some current customers and neighbouring residents have raised concerns about the possible loss of their community pub to a Toby Cavery, noise from the outdoor seating areas and unloading and parking arrangements. The proposed external works do not involve a change of use of the building and site. The premises currently operates as a “Sizzling” pub/restaurant.”

“The proposed development maintains the existing use of the premises and is not considered to increase levels of harm to neighbour’s amenity by way of noise and disturbance. No changes are proposed to the opening hours of the pub/restaurant or garden area. The application proposals provide a welcome investment to the property which seeks to improve the building’s operation as a vibrant pub/restaurant through the upgrade of the building and its grounds.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The works would not change the use, seating areas or opening hours, and deliveries would be restricted to when the premises is closed.

“No changes are proposed to the opening hours of the pub or garden area and the external alterations are not considered to increase levels of harm to neighbour’s amenity by way of noise and disturbance. A planning condition will restrict service/deliveries to closing time. Conclusion…”

Officer report

Objections received

Eighteen objections raised concerns about losing the community pub, parking, outdoor-seating noise, unloading on the footpath and increased traffic.

“Publicity 5.1 Eighteen letters of objection have been received. The main causes for concerns include:- • Loss of community Pub to Toby Carvery • Car parking • Noise from outdoor seating area • Unloading on the footpath • Increase in traffic generation…”

Officer report

People who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee against the application, another spoke in support, and the planning section leader responded to comments.

Committee discussion

Members welcomed the proposal but acknowledged concerns about losing a community pub and 1,000 objection signatures.

“The report was considered by Committee and members welcomed the proposal. The loss of a community pub and the 1000 signatures received in objection to the application were acknowledged by members but legally they could only consider the refurbishment proposals that were before them.”

Minutes