Campaigners battling to restore the birthplace of Black Sabbath have celebrated a decision by council planners to reject controversial proposals from the pub's owners.
The Crown in Station Street, recognised as the venue where the legendary Birmingham band performed their debut gig, has remained empty for many years despite its proud musical legacy.
A campaign to 'save' the city centre thoroughfare, initiated following the abrupt closure of the Electric Cinema last year, is promoting the the road and its rich cultural heritage.
Appeals to reopen The Crown specifically to honour Black Sabbath's legacy have only grown stronger following the band's monumental farewell performance and Ozzy Osbourne's death just days afterwards.
There has now been a surge of optimism amongst campaigners after contentious plans by the pub's owner Toyoko Inn were rejected by the city council.
The company, which has maintained it plans to restore the pub, was seeking approval for an extension of the car park use on part of the site for a three-year period. However, the proposals proved controversial earlier this year, with Darren John, from the Save Station Campaign, arguing in his objection that they would mean "Toyoko will just twiddle their thumbs for another three years, neglecting The Crown and Station Street despite their promises".
The city council determined the proposals would contravene existing policy, stating applications or time extensions for temporary car parks will not be supported "unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated".
"The applicant has not demonstrated exceptional circumstances," a council report said.
It continued: "Moreover, a key focus for the city centre is to reduce the need for private car journeys. The applicant has not sufficiently justified the necessity of extending the use of this car park, thus the proposal contradicts the council's public transportation goals."
The proposals were eventually rejected – a verdict welcomed by activists.
"Time for Toyoko Inns to put forward proper refurbishment plans for The Crown as a pub and music venue right now or sell up," the Save Station Street campaign said.
"For what it's worth – we don't ultimately care who owns the site....if it is run with integrity, for Brummies and with respect to its legacy as one of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's most progressive and historic venues."
Jez Collins, of the Birmingham Music Archive, added: "It's heartening to read the planning application for the continued use of the car park behind the historic Grade II listed The Crown was rejected.
"115 objections so thank you all."
Toyoko Inn has previously stated it has schemes to not only renovate The Crown but also construct a new hotel. A cover letter, included within the recent proposals, said the plans for the car park would have 'enabled a stable revenue stream' for the company, which would help with bringing forward a planning application for a major project at the site.
"At the time of writing Toyoko Inn are finalising their plans of the wider site," the letter said.
"It is the intention that the scope of the future project will deliver two connected and coherent elements."
The document outlined these would comprise a new hotel featuring approximately 300 beds on the existing car park behind the site, alongside The Crown's restoration.
"The pub is a historically important site and its new vision will reflect and celebrate this heritage," the document said.
The proposed development would also deliver a significant boost to Southside District's regeneration efforts, with economic benefits estimated at over £4 million.
On the wider scheme for the Crown site, the correspondence noted Birmingham City Council had pledged its support to the project.
"Discussions and expressions of interest are well advanced with funders in respect of the restoration and construction works," it added.
