The owner of the pub where the future members of Black Sabbath played has been accused of “letting Birmingham down” amid an investigation into the site’s use.
The Crown in Station Street, Birmingham, has been vacant since 2014 and campaigners have long called for the Grade II-listed venue – where the pre-Sabbath band Earth debuted – to be brought back into use.
Controversial plans to extend the car park use on the site were refused for three years, but Birmingham City Council said it was investigating reports it was now operating without permission.
Toyoko Inn, which owns the premises, has been contacted for comment. It previously said it had plans to restore the pub and build a new hotel.
