New twist in fight to save music pub

APLANNING application to replace a renowned live music pub in Birmingham with an apartment block has been withdrawn by the developer.

But the surprise move does not mean the canalside Flapper pub, just yards from Arena Birmingham, will be saved.

The developer also owns the city centre venue and has not dropped plans to terminate the lease at the end of June.

A spokesman for Whitehorse Estates said: “This week we took the decision to withdraw the planning application for the site currently occupied by The Flapper.

“This decision enables us, as owners of the site, the opportunity to review feedback received and to continue discussions with Birmingham City Council regarding our plans to redevelop the site.

“In November we also made the decision to terminate the lease on the property. The decision to terminate the lease is not linked to the planning application.”

The site’s current operators posted “an official statement” on the pub’s Facebook page.

It said: “Baskerville Wharf LLP have withdrawn their planning application to redevelop the Flapper site. However, regarding The Flapper business (the people who sell the alcohol) unfortunately this announcement has no effect on the current closure of our much-loved business on June 30, 2018. We want to remind you for the months of May and June, the planned ‘Celebration of The Flapper’ events and gigs are still going full steam ahead.”

The schedule includes The Little Cavalier Festival on May 26 and 27.

Another event, called The Final Weekend, has been scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30.

The Save The Flapper campaign said in a statement : “The planning application to replace The Flapper has now been withdrawn.

“Unfortunately, this does not mean the pub will be staying open.

“It would not be surprising if, once the pub has been forced to close, a less ambitious plan will be submitted.

“We need to keep fighting to keep the building from being demolished.

“The pub remains open until the end of June. Until then, keep going, and make the most of it while you can.”