A DEVELOPER wants to flatten a former Oldbury pub which was gutted by arson attacks and build shops and flats in its place.

An application to demolish the former Merrivale pub on Vicarage Road and replace it with two shops and 12 apartments has been submitted to Sandwell Council.

In May 2019 the pub was hit by two fires in one week - with the blazes believed to be arson.

Firefighters fought the flames using a hydraulic platform in a fire which broke out in the early hours of May 7, 2019 - then they were back again tackling another fire on May 14.

Halesowen News: Firefighters battling a blaze at the pub Firefighters battling a blaze at the pub (Image: West Midlands Fire)

Police were also at the scene and roads were closed while the major fire on the first floor and in the roof.

The mock-Tudor style pub has been derelict for around a decade.

Notes to planners state: "The application site is currently occupied by a derelict Public House (The Merrivale, listed as a public house before WW2) which was badly damaged by two arson attacks in 2019.

"The sides and rear are bounded by trees and overgrown shrubs, brick, walls and timber fencing.

"The Merrivale has an imposing presence in this vicinity and dominates the surrounding buildings."

Halesowen News: A design of how the building would look by Pinnacle ArchitectureA design of how the building would look by Pinnacle Architecture (Image: Pinnacle Architecture)

The four-storey block housing the shops and apartments would have 26 parking spaces.

There would be 12 apartments - five one bed, six two-bed and one three-bed.

Notes state the pub was last in use in 2013.

Notes to planners state: "The existing building is time expired, severely fire damaged and is not considered fit for purpose."

Plans to convert the derelict pub into a Hindu temple had been lodged with Sandwell Council, but were withdrawn in February 2019.

The application, from GK Investments UK Ltd, will be considered by planners at Sandwell Council.