Concerns raised over plans to convert former Sandwell pub into new Morrisons shop

Concerns have been raised over a plan to convert a former pub into a new shop.

New plans would see the former Hargate Arms in Hargate Lane, West Bromwich, converted into a new Morrisons Daily.

The application by Ajay Chumber for the new shop and off-licence asked for permission to open and sell alcohol from 6am to 11pm every day which has raised concerns from neighbours and ward councillors.

Labour councillors Paul Moore and Amardeep Singh submitted an objection on behalf of residents on the nearby Tantany estate saying they were concerned that selling alcohol early in the morning and late into the evening could lead to more noise and disturbance and anti-social behaviour.

The objection said: “Residents are particularly concerned that the premises, being a former public house, may reintroduce patterns of alcohol-related issues historically associated with such uses.

“The availability of alcohol for off-sale from 6am daily raises concerns regarding early morning street drinking, increased anti-social behaviour, and related disorder within nearby residential streets.

“Residents fear this could lead to increased nuisance, littering, and potential low-level criminal activity.

“Residents are concerned about noise disturbance from customers congregating outside the premises, as well as littering from alcohol containers and general disturbance during both early mornings and late evenings.

“This would represent a significant change from the current residential environment and risks undermining the amenity of those living nearby.”

Sandwell Council’s licensing committee will meet to decide whether to award the licence at a meeting on July 7.

Several other objections were made to Sandwell Council by local residents over the potential impact of the new shop and off-licence.

A petition against the move said the former pub site was an “unsuitable location” for a late-night shop.

“Firstly, the operation of a convenience store is likely to create increased noise and disturbance, especially during evenings and weekends,” the petition said.

“Customers arriving and leaving the premises, vehicle movements, and late-night activity have the potential to cause considerable nuisance to nearby residents.

“This would negatively affect the peaceful enjoyment of our homes and alter the character of what is currently a predominantly residential area.

“Secondly, parking in the area is already limited. The introduction of a convenience store will attract additional visitors and vehicles, placing further pressure on available parking spaces.

“Increased traffic and parking pressures during school drop-off and pick-up times could create safety risks for children, parents, and staff.”

A plan to add more rooms to the house of multiple occupation (HMO) in the former West Bromwich pub was rejected by Sandwell Council in 2024.

The move would have seen eight new rooms replace the old lounge and bar but council said the conversion would result in a “poor standard of accommodation” with future tenants forced into cramped rooms.

The old watering hole’s first-floor function room was converted into an eight-bed HMO after closing to patrons in 2016.