Plans to build supported accommodation for vulnerable families on the former site of a social club are set to be approved.

The Gingerbread Centre charity is behind the proposals for 54 apartments for lone parents, teenage mums and homeless families on land previously occupied by Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club.

Some local residents have objected to the plans, raising concerns over issues such as traffic congestion and increased social problems. But planning officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have recommended the application for approval by councillors.

Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club demolished a decade ago following a major fire, and the site has remained vacant ever since.

The proposed development would consist of a four-storey building with 54 flats along with communal facilities, counselling rooms and offices.

It would replicate the type of accommodation provided by the Gingerbread Centre at its facilities in Normacot and Hanley.

Three objections to the proposals have been submitted to the city council, with residents saying the site is unsuitable for vulnerable families, and arguing that a leisure facility or supermarket would be preferable.

But planning officers say the scheme complies with local and national policy, and that Stoke-on-Trent has a need for new housing.

The report to the planning committee states: "The re-use of an existing vacant and partially previously developed site to provide housing for vulnerable families is considered to be acceptable given the national policy.

"Furthermore, given that the site is located within a predominantly residential area, it is considered that the proposed use would allow occupants to live in a residential setting with personal independence, albeit with additional support."

Vehicular access would be via Oxford Road, with a 35-space car park along the southern boundary of the site.

In response to the objectors' concerns over increased traffic, officers believe is is unlikely that the scheme would have a significant impact on highway safety. The Gingerbread Centre says that at its two existing premises just one out of 33 families have owned a car in the past year.

And while the development would mean the permanent loss of the social club's bowling green, which has not been in use since the fire, officers say that there are other facilities in the city which are not at capacity. The planning committee will consider the application when they meet on Wednesday, July 30.