Last orders are likely to have been called for the final time at a pub near Lichfield.
The Black Horse at Edingale has been closed since 2012 and any hopes of it being reopened as a business could disappear if retrospective planning permission is given to allow it to be permanently converted into a family home.
Since the last pint was pulled at the Main Road business, the landlords have lived in the building and now hope Lichfield District Council will allow the change of use to be made permanent.
In a statement to planning chiefs, the owners revealed that poor location, lack of trade and competition from other pubs in surrounding villages meant that the pub was no longer viable as a business.
“The Black Horse had an unsustainable recent history,” the statement explained. “In the last 20 years the business had at least six landlords, none of whom was able to forge a viable future.”
The application also revealed that the pub lost around £30,000 in its final year of trading.
“The business was advertised as available by a national commercial agent who specialises in the licenced trade,” the statement continued. “Of the four enquiries received in response to the advertising, there was no firm interest shown.
“The feedback received from current owners and landlords in the industry was that the business was not attractive due to poor location and lack of trade.”
Full details of the application can be seen on Lichfield District Council’s planning website.
