Plans to convert 100-year-old pub set to be refused

A 100-year-old pub in Handsworth Wood is unlikely to be converted into a commmunity centre and restaurant after planning officers recommended the plans be refused.

The Farcroft is one of the largest of Birmingham’s “improved public houses” which was originally built for Holts Brewery of 1921.

It was bought for £810,000 last October before the planning application was lodged in May.

Last month enforcement action was taken at the Rookery Road site after complaints that it was being used as a mosque without the right permission.

The proposed scheme would see the building converted into a community centre including halls, restaurant, funeral service, school, prayer halls and residential accommodation.

But planning officials are set to officially block the change of use when they meet on Thursday.

In a report for Birmingham City Council’s planning committee, planning officer Daniel Ilott said the conversion scheme “does not comply with the local and national planning policies”.

He said: “No information has been provided to justify the loss of a well-known and well-established historic public house and whether the development have any adverse cumulative impact.

“The submitted information fails to demonstrate that the proposed development would be acceptable on this site and would not result in adverse impact on the neighbouring residential amenities [and] surrounding environment.”