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The fire-damaged remains of the former Merrivale pub in Oldbury, which has lay empty since 2013, would be knocked down and the site given a new lease of life under new plans by ‘upmarket’ grocery shop Simply Fresh. Sandwell Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday (October 22) nearly two years after they were submitted. Cllr Jenny Chidley, who represents the Wednesbury South ward, said: “I think this is a very good idea… it’s an eyesore. It’s much-needed.” In a report, the local authority’s planning officers had recommended the application was approved. The plans initially proposed a larger four-storey building with two retail units and 12 flats but was reduced in size after concerns were raised by the council. The shop would open from 6am until 11pm every day. The plans also include 23 parking spaces for the retail unit and eight spaces for the flats. A planning application was submitted to Sandwell Council in early 2019 looking to convert the former pub into a Hindu temple but that move was eventually scrapped. The pub was then badly damaged by two arson attacks in a week later that year. A statement included with the application said the “eyesore” building was a wasteful use of the land. “It is clear that the current building does not optimise the development potential of the site,” the statement said. “It represents an inefficient use of brownfield land. The existing building is currently vacant, time expired, severely fire damaged and is not considered fit for purpose. “It contributes poorly to its urban environment, is becoming an increasing eye sore in the local community and has been a location for vandalism. “In its current condition, the site has a negative impact on the townscape and appearance of the local area. “The site has been vacant and derelict for several years with limited prospect of being re-used as a public house.”
