THE Greyhound pub has been given added protection from demolition, after it was accepted as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) by Bromsgrove’s cabinet.

Redditch and Bromsgrove Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) nominated the Rock Hill pub to be listed as an ACV shortly after it was made public that Greyhound Inn Developments Ltd had applied to knock it down to make way for a new roundabout.

But planners delayed the move in October, saying demolition was “infeasible” without a detailed planning application.

Cabinet met at Parkside on Tuesday, November 2 to decide whether the building had recently furthered the social well-being or interest of the local community, and if it could do so again in the next five years.

In its application, CAMRA said: “The pub was very popular and famous for serving good quality beer. The Redditch and Bromsgrove CAMRA branch presented the pub with an award for its good quality beer in 2013.

“The pub upgraded its kitchen then introduced an affordable food menu. At this time the pub was popular it was difficult to get a table most evenings. However, in the last two years the pub has not been supported well and has been allowed to deteriorate.”

At the meeting, Cllr Roger Smith said he and his family had visited the pub, despite it not being their local.

He said: “Is it probable that it will be used in the next five years? Probably not. But could it be? I could foresee that if it was to reopen that it could be.”

Despite receiving a letter of objection from the site owners, cabinet members voted unanimously to support the listing of The Greyhound Pub as an Asset of Community Value.

Although this does not mean that the building cannot be demolished, the owners will now have to submit a full planning application, rather than being able to rely on permitted development rights.

Should the site be put up for sale, there will now be a six month period when the community can prepare a bid to buy it, before it is sold on the open market.

Cllr Michael Thompson, who represents the Rock Hill ward, said: “This is good news. It keeps our hopes up for a little longer and it means we have got six months if it goes up for sale to try and find an alternative. It is such a great community asset so this is great news for the residents of Rock Hill and across Bromsgrove.”

Campaigner Fred Stanley said: "It's great news. I would like to thank all of the councillors and everyone that has supported us to get this for the Greyhound Pub."