Telford pub could be demolished for houses

Plans have been submitted to Telford & Wrekin Council for the demolition of Old Shawbirch Inn, Trench Road, Trench, Telford.

The site is described in the application as a “derelict public house” which is currently vacant.

The plans say that the existing pub has been closed for a time, due to “insufficient trade” and that it has been subject to various acts of vandalism and theft in recent months.

It adds: “The new dwellings have been designed to reflect features of nearby dwellings, and to retain the character of the properties and their relationship with the surrounding area.

“Designs include features including gabled roofs, mortared roof verges, and brickwork detailing and front boundary wall.

“They are of a suitable domestic scale, in-keeping with the character of the area and the adjoining properties.

“The significance of these works on the street scene are considered low to minimal, given the variety of buildings in the locality.”

The gardens will be of a “domestic nature”.

The surrounding buildings are a mix of commercial and residential buildings, from metal clad buildings to barrack style buildings and domestic scale, brick houses.

The plans say that Trench is a “sustainable location” and that local bus routes, shops, schools and local facilities are all provided for.

Under the plans, the four houses would each have three bedrooms, and each house would have two car parking spaces.

Access to the dwellings will be via Furnace Lane for three of the homes and Trench Road for one home.

The plans say that the applicant has reviewed a variety of options for the site including converting and extending the existing buildings, but that a new build option is financially viable.

This is because conversion of the existing building, and its basement, brings about compromises on the layouts, and costs which cannot be recovered with current open market sales or rental values of apartments.

The plans will be considered by Telford & Wrekin Council at a later date.