£14 million plan to convert historic Tunstall buildings into flats rejected

Plans to transform historic buildings in Stoke-on-Trent into apartments have been rejected by the city council, casting doubt on the proposed £14 million conversion project.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council planning committee refused permission for the redevelopment of the Grade II listed Tunstall Library and Baths and the adjacent drill hall into 39 flats, citing concerns over heritage harm, residential amenity, and highway safety.

Tunstall Library Developments Ltd, the applicants, had hoped to convert the sites into 'high-end' apartments along with a bar, restaurant, spa pool, gym, and community space, supported by £3.5 million from Levelling Up funds.

Despite arguments from the developer that issues such as heritage constraints were manageable, and the conversion presented public benefits, councillors sided with the planning officers’ recommendations for refusal.

Concerns included objections from Historic England and the council’s heritage officer regarding modifications to historic windows and a new lift, whilst planning officers flagged issues like low ceilings and insufficient natural light, and the highways department called for more information on access.

Councillor Dave Evans advocated deferring the decision to allow more time for resolving concerns but was overruled in a 6-3 vote against deferral.

Committee chair Andy Platt described the briefing as ‘depressing’, citing fundamental issues with the proposal: “This is a sub-standard application... It’s better for the applicants and the public to go away and start again.”

Tunstall Library Developments previously highlighted the project's necessity to secure over £10 million in private funding, thus making its future uncertain without the Levelling Up support.

Further discussions with the council's regeneration team are expected in the coming days to explore possible paths forward.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.