Popular pub's fate to be decided

The council will discuss the proposal on 9 September

A proposal to convert a Wolverhampton pub into a new Toby Carvery will go before council planners next week amid support and opposition to the project.

A report, which will be discussed by City of Wolverhampton Council's planning committee next week, has recommended the application for The Cleveland Arms on Stowheath Lane is approved.

About 1,500 people have signed an online petition against the proposed £1.5m makeover while 27 have signed one supporting the plan. During public consultation, 18 objections were submitted to the council.

Council planners said the scheme was a "welcome investment" that would make a "positive contribution" to the site's continued operation. Committee members are to discuss the matter on 9 September.

The council report stated: "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 proposed external works do not involve a change of use of the building and site.

"The premises currently operates as a Sizzling pub and restaurant. This use will continue to operate with a change in branding of the food offer to a Toby Carvery."

No changes had been proposed to the opening hours of the pub, or garden area, the report added.

As well as the petition, local people have formed an action group to stop the plan and also want the pub to be designated as an "asset of community value", citing its importance to the area's identity.

Owners Mitchells & Butlers said the conversion would create "a community-based Toby Carvery" that would retain the Cleveland Arms name and its darts teams.

Earlier this year, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said in a statement: "The Cleveland is a much-loved local pub in an area without many pubs at all; known as a sports hub, it hosts sports events including darts and pool as well as having many famous faces appear over the years from darts players to footballers and actors."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.