Plans to demolish an historic Rubery pub and replace it with a large care home have today been approved by Birmingham City Council’s planning committee (Thursday 6th December).
The application by Malvern Homes Ltd sought permission to demolish the former Cock Inn public house in Rubery Lane and build a modern, 4 storey care home to house up to 68 residents.
Developers say that at least 60 staff would be employed in the building once it is fully operational.
On making the decision, several councillors said that they were saddened at the loss of another historic pub site. However, the building was in a poor state and this was a good replacement use and well thought out plan.
History
Built in 1811, The Cock Inn in Rubery Lane is the oldest pub in Rubery. It has now been vacant for several years and was sadly subject to an arson attack in October last year.
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.
Although the 207 year old former public house has historic significance to the local area, it was never awarded any heritage protection and does not have statutory or local listing status.
After considering its heritage, a report from city planners recommended that Councillors approve the plans, saying: “Given the building is of historic significance and has no architectural merit requiring assessment, I consider that the provision of elderly care accommodation would provide greater public benefit than the retention of the public house building.”
‘Part of our heritage’
Calls have been made to preserve the heritage of the site. Former local Councillor Andy Cartwright (Lab, former Longbridge ward) previously asked developers to ensure a memorial to the heritage was placed.
When the planning application was submitted in May, Cllr Simon Morrall (Cons, Frankley Great Park) said ideally he would like to see the building remain. He said: “I am happy to finally see something done about this site. However, I would personally like to see the historic 1811 building restored as it’s part of our heritage and I know many residents feel the same.
“If feasible, I would like to see planners preserve and incorporate the building into the new development.”
Although this acceptance allows the building to now be demolished, one of the conditions of the approval is that the developer provide public art or information panel to identify the heritage of the site.
The post APPROVED: Historic Rubery pub to be demolished and replaced with care home appeared first on B31 Voices.