A Stoke-on-Trent charity is planning to build supported accommodation for vulnerable families on the former site of a social club.

The Gingerbread Centre has lodged plans to redevelop the Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club site with 54 apartments in a three to four storey building.

The charity currently provides supported accommodation for lone parents, teenage mums and homeless families at two facilities in Normacot and Hanley.

According to a planning application submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the Fegg Hayes building would replicate the type of accommodation provided at the two existing sites, while also consolidating the charity's offices.

Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club was destroyed in a fire in 2014 and was subsequently demolished, with the 1.5 acre site off Oxford Road remaining vacant ever since.

The application states that the proposals will bring the site back into use while providing safe and comfortable accommodation to 'families that are in desperate need of a home'.

The upper floors of the proposed building would be exclusively for residential use, both for homeless families, including pregnant women, and teenage parents. There would also be a range of communal facilities such as an IT lounge, fitness room and activity club.

Outside the building there would be a children's play area and a secure external space, along with 35 parking spaces.

The application states: "The proposal has been developed to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the site's location, whilst providing a new and sustainable purpose for the vacant plot.

"There are significant benefits to be delivered by the development, including re-use of a vacant previously developed site.

"The proposed scheme is well designed and represents a sustainable development that will create an attractive and safe living environment."

The application has attracted some objections from local residents. Charmaine Conteh believes the site is not suitable for accommodation for vulnerable families.

In her objection, she states: "The proposed land has historically been for leisure purposes, operating as a social club, and I believe this area should be used for the local community.

"I believe that the area proposed for this housing is unsuitable for vulnerable families. It is a very deprived area, with high rates of unemployment, and heavy reliance on food banks already. There are very limited employment opportunities in the area."

The Gingerbread Centre currently operates Rothesay Court, in Normacot, which provides supported accommodation for up to 22 homeless families; and Catherine Court, in Hanley, which is the charity's supported accommodation unit for teenage parents, made up of seven flats and four houses.

Council planners are expected to make a decision on the Fegg Hayes application by the end of May.

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