New building for vulnerable families in Stoke approved
The Gingerbread Centre's new building will include 54 apartments for homeless families and teenage mums
Last updated 31st Jul 2025
A Stoke-on-Trent charity has received the go-ahead for new ‘fit for purpose’ supported accommodation for dozens of vulnerable families.
The Gingerbread Centre’s new building, on the former site of Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club, will include 54 apartments for homeless families and teenage mums.
Local residents had raised concerns over the size of the three and four storey development, and feared it could result in increased anti-social behaviour. But planning committee members at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said they were reassured that the facility would be run by The Gingerbread Centre, which has been operating in the Potteries since the 1970s.
They voted to grant the scheme planning permission, in line with their officers’ recommendation. The Oxford Road building will replicate the type of supported accommodation currently provided by The Gingerbread Centre at its sites in Hanley and Normacot.
John Chorlton, from applicants Nightingale Land, told the committee that along with 54 self-contained flats, the development would include communal facilities and would be staffed around the clock. Each of the families living at the facility would receive a tailored support package aimed at preparing them to live more independently within a year or so.
Mr Chorlton said: “The Gingerbread Centre has been supporting vulnerable families in Stoke-on-Trent since 1977. For over a decade the charity has been operating in two separate buildings, Rothesay Court and Catherine Court. The proposals at Oxford Road will enable the charity to operate out of one building while also providing support services for the families.
“The charity has already helped thousands of disadvantaged families. By combining the two services in a modern, fit-for-purpose building with increased capacity, the Gingerbread Centre can continue to help Stoke’s most vulnerable families. The very substantial benefits of the proposals are already evident through the positive impact the Gingerbread Centre has had for a number of decades.”
The application received three objections from residents in the area, who argued that Oxford Road was the wrong location for a supported housing scheme. Sue Akkurt, ward councillor for Great Chell and Packmoor, raised residents’ concerns with the committee.
She said: “There is a fear of anti-social behaviour increasing, which is a major concern across the area. Also, as local schools in the area are near capacity, how will the schools cope with potentially another 50 to 75 children coming into the area?
“Residents feel the scheme is too large, especially as it will be three floors. There’s also a concern that resources are already overstretched in what has historically been a very deprived area. Residents ask if this would be the correct place for this scheme.”
Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club was demolished a decade ago following a fire and the site has been vacant ever since. Cllr Akkurt said residents were not opposed to the site being redeveloped, but felt that a supermarket or community facility would be more appropriate.
Committee members suggested that residents’ concerns may have been alleviated had they known that The Gingerbread Centre was behind the scheme.
Councillor Carl Edwards said: “I can understand why residents were concerned when they saw this application. I fail to understand why the occupier wasn’t mentioned in the report, because once I figured out it was the Gingerbread Centre, my fears were allayed. Most of us are aware of what they have been doing in the city.”
It is not yet known what will happen to The Gingerbread Centre’s existing sites once the new facility is built.