A CENTURY-old Coventry pub is set to be transformed into flats despite opposition from residents.
The Old Crown Inn is a listed and now vacant public house building located on Windmill Road, Longford.
The historic building was constructed in 1914 and was a hub of the Longford community.
It was also used as a recruiting post during the First World War.
But plans have been submitted to convert the old pub into 11 studio apartments.
Developers APSE Building Design Ltd are seeking a lease to use the premises as a House in Multiple Occupation (HIMO).
Proposals are recommended for approval subject to conditions at a Coventry City Council planning committee meeting on Thursday (February 14).
A petition in opposition to the plans has been sponsored by ward councillor Linda Bigham, gaining 166 signatures.
The petition states: “At present we have no clear understanding of the intended primary use of the development and who the occupants may be.
“Given the proximity of a junior school and residential accommodation we urge the council to reject this application.”
A council officer’s report states a further seven letters of objection have been lodged, warning that the local community will suffer.
They say it means the loss of a long-established community centre and increased traffic – posing a potential danger to children at nearby Longford Park Primary School.
But a marketing report found the pub was ‘unviable’ and had suffered a significant decline in sales over the last decade.
A council officer’s report states: “Officers are satisfied that, given the overwhelming evidence provided that there are viability issues with the existing public house, a positive re-use should therefore be considered.
“The Community Use Report points to eight nearby public houses or social clubs within a 1km radius or less providing similar facilities to meet community needs.
“The proposed development is considered to be acceptable in principle and will not result in any significant impact upon visual amenity, heritage assets, neighbour amenity or highway safety, subject to relevant conditions.”
The building has already been stripped out but the council issued a notice to stop works in October and no further construction has taken place since.
