Former prisoners "won't be occupying historic former Longford pub"

[dutchman]

Planning permission has been submitted for the century-old drinking hole



Those behind plans to transform a formerly listed Coventry pub have said that criminals now out of prison will not be living there in the future.

Located just 50 yards from a primary school, the Old Crown Inn on Windmill Road, Longford, is proposed to be turned into a house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

The pub, which was built in 1914, will also lose the public house status.

Nearby residents were worried that it would be used as a halfway house for ex-convicts or a rehab centre, but those behind the design of the building have said that neighbours have nothing to fear.

A spokesman for APSE Building Design Ltd said: "I can confirm that the HMO will not be used for ex-convicts or any other rehabilitation purposes.

"The building will be used to accommodate local people who are unable to get onto or do not want to get onto the property ladder and need accommodation.

"Our clients already has a portfolio of HMO's and pride themselves on the reputation for running well-kept accommodation with vetted clients.

"We trust this allays the local residents' fears."

However, there were no details about who exactly would be living in the multi-occupancy house.

The red brick building was previously listed, with stone dressings and bandings, a decorative balustrade, double bays and 'Dutch' gables.

The Old Crown Inn is one of several old pubs in Coventry being turned into multiple occupation houses or flats.

[rebbonk]

That used to be a damned good pub.