PLANS to demolish and rebuild a pub and add bed and breakfast accommodation have been granted by planners.

An application was submitted by Westbourne Leisure to demolish the Cross and Bowling Green pub and completely rebuild it, along with building 35 rooms for bed and breakfast accommodation.

The plan also includes the creation of manager’s accommodation and car parking.

The pub, on Alcester Road in Beoley, is currently home to the Balti ‘Rajput’ restaurant, which opened in 2009, while the original section of the building dates back to 1903 and is assessed as being a ‘non-designated heritage asset.’

The planning statement for the scheme states: “This significant investment in the site will retain the public house and bar for the local community, as well as providing a new facility of overnight accommodation to serve local visitors and travelling businessmen/contractors.”

It adds: “The addition of 35 bed and breakfast rooms to the public house will serve to underpin the enterprise, particularly during the week when customer numbers are lower, whilst also contributing to boosting the profitability of the bar function. It is expected that the improved facilities offered within the public house and specifically the bar area will help to attract new customers.”

It is hoped the scheme will create an additional 23 jobs in food service, management and cleaning roles, the application adds.

Meanwhile the proposed replacement building is planned to sit within the footprint of the current building but will be larger to allow for disabled access.

The plan concludes: “Without the demolition and rebuilding of the Cross and Bowling Green to support a bed and breakfast offering, it is likely that the public house will close, and the building will become vacant.”

The plan was granted approval by Redditch Borough Council on March 1.