Rowley Regis bar approved despite fear children will see drunks urinating in street

Sandwell Council has granted permission to convert part an industrial unit on Powke Lane into a bar despite the fears of local people over congestion and anti-social behaviour.

One distraught mother pleaded with councillors not to pass the plan and said she didn’t want her children to see drinkers urinating in public.

Cllr Kerrie Carmichael, said over 60 local people had objected to the scheme fearing customers’ cars and delivery vehicles would add cause congestion and noise nuisance late at night.

Stating the bar would be able serve up to 50 drinkers, she added: “Obviously, people coming and going will make noise especially when they are merry and then there will be taxis will dropping off and picking up.”

Questioning if a pub on a new housing estate would be allowed to be built so close to homes, she asked members of the committee: “Would you like this within touching distance of your homes?”

Planning officers said neither the police or highway bosses had objected to the scheme and a recommendation to grant permission for two years meant the council could monitor any potential problems.

Jordan Lunn, a director of the distillery, said the company was moving from its present site in Dudley to allow it to open the bar on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Explaining the taproom was intended to attract new customers who enjoyed craft products through tasting sessions and distillery tours, he said: “These are not the type of people who quaff 10 or 12 pints down their neck.”

Cllr Bob Piper, opposing the application, said if the property changed hands if could be used by customers who were more interested in drinking than tasting.

He said: “If we grant planning permission that permission will be there for a future owner and wouldn’t be restricted just to a gin bar. So for me, I will oppose a two year planning consent.”

The application was approved by seven votes with two against and one abstention.