Plans to demolish a hundred year old Rubery pub, and replace it with houses, have been resubmitted to Birmingham City Council.
Built in 1811, The Cock in Rubery Lane is the oldest pub in Rubery. It has been vacant for around two years and is sadly in a state of disrepair, having been vandalised.
It is said that the RAF were billeted at The Cock Inn during WWII and operated barrage balloons at Rubery Quarry, to protect the factories in Longbridge.
Last year, Malvern Estates PLC, alongside Unique Pub Properties PLC, sought permission to develop the former coaching inn as part of a proposed housing development. The development would consist of 8 detached and 4 semi-detached homes with a private access drive running adjacent to Rubery Lane.
However, the initial application was unsuccessful with the council’s planning committee turning down the plans on the grounds that there were issues with access, meaning that vehicles, such as refuse lorries, may have to reverse out on to Rubery Lane. Another reason for refusal was that trees under a Tree Preservation Order would be affected.
Now developers have resubmitted their plans having addressed these issues. They have resubmitted new drawings to demonstrate that, in their view, there is room for large vehicles to enter the access road, turn around and exit facing forwards into Rubery Lane. They have also worked with a Tree Officer from Birmingham City Council to modify their tree plan.
The proposals state that developers have considered turning the existing building into properties but that it was unviable, citing lack of space for rear gardens and the state of disrepair of the building as some of the reasons.
Independent Cllr Ian Cruise tweeted this morning: “Of course I’m going to oppose demolition. Too much of our local heritage has been lost.”
Local residents and stakeholders have until 23rd February 2017 to submit comments for consideration by the city’s planning committee.
You can access the planning application, view all the documents and leave your views on Birmingham City Council’s Planning Online site. Please note, this is a new amended application and if you submitted views before you may wish to submit them again.