Carvery plan for pub approved despite opposition

Council planners recommended the application for approval

A proposal to convert a pub into a new Toby Carvery has been approved, despite opposition to the plan.

A petition opposing the conversion of the Cleveland Arms in Stoweath Lane, Wolverhampton, attracted more than 1,500 signatures and saw residents form an action group. Up to 27 people signed one supporting the plan.

Pub owners Mitchells & Butlers said the £1.5m conversion would create "a community-based Toby Carvery" that would retain the Cleveland Arms name, sports teams and charity work.

A total of 18 objections were submitted to City of Wolverhampton Council during the public consultation – mainly concerned over the loss of the pub.

Andy Pugh, speaking on behalf of the 1,500 people in the petition, called for the plan to be turned down saying Mitchells & Butlers were "dismantling their community asset."

"Our community does not see the proposal retaining existing patrons or represent what we want in our community valued public house," he said.

A report by the council's planners recommended the application should be approved.

Councillor Rita Potter supported the plans saying the pub was "in need of a facelift" and it was "great to be getting some investment … and creating jobs."

Councillor Rashpaul Kaur, who represents Bilston South, also backed the work with the planned "investment and enhancement" of the pub welcomed during a time where so many pubs were closing.

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