Campaigners welcome decision on Black Sabbath pub

Black Sabbath, as Earth, played upstairs at The Crown in Birmingham

Campaigners fighting to restore the venue where Black Sabbath performed their first gig have welcomed a decision by council planners to refuse divisive proposals by the pub's owners.

The Crown, in Station Street, Birmingham, has been vacant for many years despite its historic importance.

There has now been a wave of optimism among campaigners after controversial plans by the pub's owner Toyoko Inn were refused by Birmingham City Council.

The company, which has insisted it has plans to restore the pub, was seeking approval for an extension of the car park use on the site for a three-year period.

The proposals sparked fresh anger earlier this year, with Darren John, from the Save Station Campaign, arguing in his objection that they would mean "Toyoko will just twiddle their thumbs for another three years, neglecting The Crown and Station Street despite their promises".

A campaign to save Station Street launched after the sudden closure of the Electric Cinema last year, and argued the road and its venues are steeped in cultural importance.

Calls to reopen The Crown in particular to celebrate Black Sabbath's legacy have intensified after the band's momentous farewell show and Ozzy Osbourne's death just days later.

The building on Station Street has been described as the birthplace of heavy metal

Birmingham City Council found Toyoko Inn's plans would be contrary to current policy, saying applications or time extensions for temporary car parks would not be supported "unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated".

A council report said: "Moreover, a key focus for the city centre is to reduce the need for private car journeys.

"The applicant has not sufficiently justified the necessity of extending the use of this car park, thus the proposal contradicts the council's public transportation goals."

Campaigners have celebrated the council's refusal of the plans.

"Time for Toyoko Inns to put forward proper refurbishment plans for The Crown as a pub and music venue right now or sell up," the Save Station Street campaign said.

"For what it's worth – we don't ultimately care who owns the site... if it is run with integrity, for Brummies and with respect to its legacy as one of the UK's most progressive and historic venues."

Jez Collins, of the Birmingham Music Archive, added: "It's heartening to read the planning application for the continued use of the car park behind the historic Grade II listed The Crown was rejected."

Toyoko Inn has previously said it has plans to not only restore The Crown but also build a new hotel with about 300 beds on the existing car park at the rear of the site.

"The pub is a historically important site and its new vision will reflect and celebrate this heritage," a cover letter within the recent proposals said.

It argued the proposed scheme would also make an "important contribution" towards the regeneration of Southside District, with the economic impact predicted upwards of £4m.