New Plans Submitted for Birmingham's Historic Lad in the Lane Pub
A planning application has been submitted to Birmingham City Council to convert the historic Lad in the Lane pub in Erdington into office space. The Grade II-listed building, which closed in 2019 and is often cited as potentially Birmingham's oldest pub, has been in disrepair for six years.
Details of the Proposed Transformation
The application, not yet publicly available, seeks listed building consent for internal alterations to change the use from a public house to ground floor office space under Use Class E. Additionally, it proposes providing supported accommodation for vulnerable women on the ground and first floor levels. The applicant is understood to be the building's owner.
This development follows recent repair work initiated by the owner to prevent further decline of the 14th-century structure, after concerns were raised by the local community. In March, Coun Basharat Mahmood noted that many residents had contacted him about the pub's condition.
Historical Significance and Community Impact
The Lad in the Lane, dating back to around 1400, is a landmark in Erdington, alongside The Old Crown in Digbeth, as one of the city's oldest pubs. Historian Carl Chinn described it as a special building with elements from late medieval times, emphasizing its importance to the area.
In 2024, a blaze broke out at the site, though it did not cause serious external damage. The council has acknowledged a significant backlog in processing planning applications due to staffing and resource pressures. The application, numbered 2026/01279/PA, will appear on the council's website once outstanding information from the applicant is submitted.
