Walsall Council is set to serve an enforcement notice on the owners of The Bridge Tavern, a landmark pub building in Willenhall, after it was discovered that the upper floor had been converted into multiple residential units without planning permission.
Inspection reveals unauthorised flats
Former Short Heath councillors said that officers went to inspect the site in June following concerns that the pub had been turned into a House of Multiple Occupation. While this was not the case, the works to convert the property were found to be a breach of planning permission.
A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: “In June this year the site was inspected, and it was found that the upper floor has been converted into multiple residential units without planning permission. The council is now in the process of preparing to serve an enforcement notice for this property.”
The enforcement notice could require the removal of the residential flats, restoring the building to its former condition.
Previous plans for shop and Indian restaurant
The Short Heath pub closed to the public in 2023, and plans were submitted to convert the building into a convenience store. Councillor Josh Whitehouse, who was in office at the time, launched a petition against the plans, which was signed by over 600 people. Petitioners felt it was the “wrong place for another shop” due to the busy Bentley Lane and High Road junction.
The plans were recommended for refusal, but the application was withdrawn before it could be determined by the council’s planning committee.
In May 2025, an application was submitted to convert the building into an Indian restaurant. However, this was also refused by Walsall Council due to a lack of a coal mining risk assessment and a noise and odour assessment.
Impact and next steps
The enforcement notice represents the latest step in the council’s action against the unauthorised conversion. The owners of The Bridge Tavern will be required to respond to the notice, which may involve undoing the residential conversion or seeking retrospective planning permission.
The case highlights the council’s commitment to enforcing planning regulations in the borough, particularly for historic buildings like The Bridge Tavern.
