Sandwell Council has granted approval for the demolition of the Friar Park Inn to make way for 14 new flats and a retail space, following widespread concerns about the pub’s poor condition.
Plans have been officially approved to demolish the former Friar Park Inn located on Crankhall Lane in Wednesbury, with the intention of replacing it with 14 new flats and a shop. The approval by Sandwell Council’s planning committee came during a meeting on February 19, 2023, where councillors unanimously supported the project proposed by developer SEP Properties.
The decision to replace the vacant pub, which has garnered multiple complaints concerning its deteriorating condition, follows previous approval granted in December 2022. Despite this authorisation, the pub remains standing, prompting ongoing local concerns and requests for action regarding its state.
Cllr Liam Preece remarked during the planning meeting, “The current state of the site is creating quite a significant problem for the surrounding area.” He expressed optimism about the new development, noting that it would serve as “a real positive” for the community, stating, “I think this will solve a problem rather than create one.”
Local residents had lodged objections to the proposed demolition, voicing concerns over the potential loss of privacy and possible negative impacts on property values in the vicinity. Nevertheless, the planning committee’s decision was influenced by the acknowledgment that the existing site was perceived as an eyesore and that its replacement could enhance the area’s aesthetic and utility.
The design of the new development includes a three-storey building which will accommodate a ground-floor shop and provide 35 parking spaces. A statement associated with the application highlighted that the development process had undergone extensive design revisions aimed at delivering “high-quality accommodation and retail space” for the local population of the Friar Park estate.
Beyond this project, further developments are envisaged for the Friar Park region, including plans for an additional 600 homes and enhancements to the nearby Millennium Community Centre on Friar Park Road. Housing developer Persimmon is also seeking to build 105 homes on adjacent fields near High Point Academy.
The former Friar Park Inn was sold to SEP Properties in 2022 for £495,000, as the council continues to grapple with local housing needs, with recent reports indicating that the average wait for council housing in Sandwell has reached nearly ten years.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.expressandstar.com/news/property/2025/02/18/plans-to-demolish-wednesbury-pub-to-be-decided-by-councillors-after-objections/ – This article discusses plans to demolish the former Friar Park Inn in Wednesbury and replace it with new flats and a shop, which aligns with the approved project by developer SEP.
- https://www.expressandstar.com/news/property/2025/02/21/plan-to-demolish-an-eyesore-black-country-pub-for-new-flats-and-shops-approved/ – This article confirms the approval of plans to demolish the former Friar Park Inn, highlighting its status as an eyesore and the potential benefits of the new development.
- https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/20002/planning/126/planning_committee – This webpage provides information on Sandwell Council’s planning committee, which was involved in approving the demolition and redevelopment plans for the Friar Park Inn.
- https://www.persimmonhomes.com/developments/west-midlands/ – Persimmon Homes is mentioned as a developer involved in further developments in the Friar Park region, including plans for new homes near High Point Academy.
- https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/20002/planning/126/planning_committee/4/planning_committee_minutes – This link provides access to planning committee minutes, which could include details about the discussions and decisions regarding the Friar Park Inn redevelopment.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
6
Notes:
The article discusses events from February 2023, indicating it may not be entirely up-to-date. However, it does not appear to be a press release, and there is no clear evidence of it being recycled from older content.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from Cllr Liam Preece is directly attributed to a specific meeting, suggesting it is original to this context. However, without further online sources confirming the exact wording, it is difficult to verify its originality.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Birmingham Mail, a reputable local news source. This generally suggests a high level of reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the demolition and new development are plausible given the context of local planning decisions and housing needs. The details provided align with typical processes for such projects.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be based on plausible and reliable information, with a reputable source. While the freshness could be improved due to the timing of the events discussed, the overall content seems accurate and well-supported.
