By Christian Barnett

Copyright birminghammail

A move to convert a popular pub in Wolverhampton into a new Toby Carvery has been approved by councillors. The plan will see the Cleveland Arms in Stowheath Lane, Wolverhampton, converted into a new Toby Carvery restaurant after receiving the backing of City of Wolverhampton Council’s planning committee. An online petition to save the pub attracted more than 1,500 signatures and locals formed an action group to block the Toby Carvery plans. The pub owners Mitchells & Butlers said the conversion would create “a community-based Toby Carvery” that would retain the Cleveland Arms name, sports teams and charity work. The firm also promised to continue showing sport on TV. At the planning meeting on September 9, Andy Pugh, speaking on behalf of the 1,500 people in the petition, called for the plan to be turned down. He said he “respectfully disagreed” that Toby Carvery was a “vibrant destination” and said the owners Mitchells & Butlers were “dismantling their community asset.” “Our community does not see the proposal retaining existing patrons or represent what we want in our community valued public house,” he said. Mr Pugh added that he was “deeply concerned” that staff with decades of service could lose their jobs. “These are not just employees, they are part of the community,” he said. Cllr Rita Potter, who represents Wednesfield North, supported the plans saying the pub was “in need of a facelift” and it was “great to be getting some investment … and creating jobs.” Cllr Rashpaul Kaur, who represents Bilston South, also backed the work with the planned “investment and enhancement” of the Cleveland Arms welcomed during a time where so many pubs were closing. A total of 18 objections were submitted to City of Wolverhampton Council during public consultation – mainly concerned over the loss of the pub. A report by the council’s planners recommended the application should be approved saying the planned £1.5m makeover was a “welcome investment” that would make a “positive contribution” to the pub’s continued operation. “Some current customers and neighbouring residents have raised concerns about the possible loss of their community pub to a Toby Carvery, noise from the outdoor seating areas and unloading and parking arrangements,” the report said. “The proposed works will not result in the loss or adversely impact the functioning of the pub element. “There would be no changes to the existing external seating areas to the front and rear of the building. “No changes are proposed to the opening hours of the pub or garden area and the external alterations are not considered to increase levels of harm to neighbour’s amenity by way of noise and disturbance.”