Setback in redevelopment of 'landmark' buildings

The redevelopment of a former library, public baths and drill hall has suffered a setback after the plans were recommended for refusal.

The proposal to transform the three Grade II-listed buildings in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, into 39 flats were submitted to the city council in October.

Applicant Tunstall Library Developments Ltd said the development, which was allocated £3.5m of government funding, was a "unique opportunity to deliver a sensitive and viable regeneration project that revitalises a significant heritage site".

But planning officers at the council have said the application should be refused when the authority's planning committee meets next week.

The report said the proposed development would "result in harm to the significance of designated heritage assets".

Listing other reasons for recommending refusal, it said the proposed layout, design approach and internal configuration would "result in the creation of homes that fail to provide acceptable standards of living accommodation".

It would also not provide suitable access for residents, the report continued, and failed to demonstrate policy-compliant affordable housing provision.

A council spokesperson said it declared a heritage emergency earlier this year due to buildings like these being "too important to the identity of our city to be allowed to fall into disrepair".

They said this commitment was why officers made the recommendation, adding that Tunstall Library Developments Ltd had been informed.

"Following a thorough review, officers found the application does not meet the standards required to convert these Grade-II listed buildings," the spokesperson added.

"It is disappointing that this scheme did not measure up, but our first duty is to protect the buildings and we will not lower the bar a heritage asset of this significance deserves."

The three buildings all date back to the late 19th Century and were in operation for more than 100 years.

They are all currently vacant after the baths closed in 2011, the library in 2022 and the snooker hall, within the drill hall, in 2023.

As well as the 39 homes, the proposed redevelopment would include a spa pool, gym, sports bar, cafe and community space.

Tunstall Library Developments Ltd previously said the "landmark buildings" continued to deteriorate through neglect, vandalism, arson and antisocial behaviour.

It added the scheme would result in more visitors supporting local businesses, describing it as a "catalyst for wider town centre regeneration".

"This proposal combines public funding with significant private investment to secure the long-term future of these buildings," the applicant said.

A final decision on the plans will be made when the planning committee meets at the civic centre in Stoke-on-Trent at 10:00 BST on Wednesday.

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