A DEVELOPER wants to spend £350k to bring a Halesowen pub back into use. 

Scores of local residents had objected to proposals to refurbish and extend the Black Horse on Manor Way, which has been closed for more than a year.

But the developer withdrew plans and has now submitted a new scheme to Dudley Council which would create a 138-seater restaurant and 15 full-time jobs - a mixture of management, chef, kitchen, bar and waiting staff positions.

The developer has dropped the unpopular House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) housing element, which had been included in the previous proposal, as well as plans to extend the building out of its existing footprint.

The new proposal keeps the building, which is in the greenbelt, within its existing footprint and simply infills areas of the existing building.

Notes to planners state the revamped pub "could become a valuable community asset if the premises can be developed to become a viable business."

They state that the appearance of the building, which is a poor mix of architectural styles, would be improved as flat roofs would be replaced with pitched roofs.

Stourbridge News:

The Lapal Canal Trust had objected to the pub's use of the lower car park, which is owned by Dudley Council, saying if it is allowed it could derail the restoration of the No.2 canal which joins onto the site.

But in documents submitted to Dudley Council the developer states that "the development does not impact on the lower car park area, leaving the capacity for the canal to be re-excavated and conserved at a later date."

It also states the pub could become "an important canal-side feature if the canal can be brought back into use."

More than 23 letters of objection were submitted to the previous proposal from residents of roads including Cloister Drive, County Park Avenue, and Manor Abbey Road on the grounds of concerns over possible anti-social behaviour from the proposed six HMO residents and congestion on Manor Way.

But now one letter has been submitted from a resident of Priory Road, who has withdrawn their objection, which was based on the HMO aspect of the previous proposal.

Under new plans the existing manager's flat would be refurbished.

HMO living involves sharing part of the accommodation.

It applies to both bedsit-style housing and shared housing where a group of people who are not related share a house or flat.