Old pub to be converted into flats

The half-empty former Hargate Arms pub in Hargate Lane, West Bromwich, closed to drinkers in 2016 with the watering hole’s old first-floor function room then converted into an eight-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO).

A new plan has now been submitted to Sandwell Council which would see another eight rooms built in place of the former pub’s bar and lounge.

Two existing first-floor bedrooms at the former pub on the corner of All Saints Way and Hargate Lane near Sandwell Hospital would also be converted into a shared lounge and kitchen as part of the work.

A statement included with the application by Jatinder Singh said: “The Hargate Arms is a former public house located at the junction with All Saints Way and Hargate Lane. The property is surrounded by residential dwellings and is situated in a prominent position adjacent to the dual carriageway leading into West Bromwich town centre.

“The property is part single-storey and part two-storey with a large car park accessed off Hargate Lane. The pub has not been trading for about eight years. There are eight HMO units on the first floor accessed via an existing enclosed yard into the building.

“A fire escape has also been erected leading off the first floor at the side of the building. The ground floor is vacant, formerly the lounge/bar to the pub, and is the focus of this application.

“The proposed development is for the conversion of the ground floor into eight HMO flats alongside proposed changes to elevation elevations and alterations including a side extension to enclose an existing yard.

“Along the proposed south and north elevations, the proposed changes will consist of new doors and windows to match existing as well as new brickwork to match existing. Along the proposed east and west elevations the proposed changes will consist of new doors and windows to match existing.”