Doubt is cast on plan for 42 flats

Developers hoping to turn Wellington’s 17th century coaching inn into luxury flats may be refused permission - because they have failed to show the hotel is not a viable business.

Planning officers from Telford & Wrekin Council are recommending councillors throw out the proposal for the Grade II-listed Charlton Arms.

The inn has been closed since being wrecked by fire in 2006 and critics say it is a scandal a valuable community facility in the heart of town should be a boarded-up eyesore.

It occupies a prime site in Church Street, near to the parish church.

Liverpool-based Nextdom is hoping to bulldoze the 1960s and 1970s extensions to the inn and build 42 flats on the site.

This has sparked opposition from campaigners. But Nextdom, which bought the pub after it went into administration, insists there is no market in Wellington to support such a business.

The issue will be thrashed out at a meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council’s plans board on Wednesday.

“The applicant has failed to provide sufficient evidence the restoration and subsequent use of the Charlton Arms as a hotel, public house or other form of community facility would be financially unviable,” officers say.