A mostly vacant commercial site in Burslem could be demolished to make way for 68 flats, if a planning application is approved. 

Much of the site, which sits on the corner junction between Blake Street and Newcastle Street, is vacant and "in a state of disrepair". 

The proposed redevelopment, submitted by Burslem Reach Ltd, would flatten the site and build 35 one-bedroom flats, and a further 33 two-bedroom flats. 

The application to Stoke On Trent City Council, said: "The development would provide an invaluable opportunity to regenerate this site, whilst the redesign ensures that the site would be secure and safe and avoid any anti-social behaviour by taking on board and addressing the comments raised by Staffordshire Police. 

"Currently, the site is being used as a commercial premises, however, part of the premises is now vacant following the impact on the commercial sector due to Covid‐19, and more so, little has been done to the property, especially externally, over the years which has led the building to look tired and in serious need for regeneration, especially in its current state, it contributes little to the character and appearance of the street scene." 

The proposed redevelopment would see 68 flats built (image via Nub News)

The initial proposal would have built six terraced houses in addition to 57 flats, but this was revised following advice from Staffordshire Police who expressed concern that the open nature of the plan would lead to the presence of non-residents and anti-social behaviour. 

The site, formerly used by Crownford Pottery Works, is in both the Newcastle Street Conservation area and the Burslem conservation area. 

An archaeology assessment and heritage statement, submitted alongside the application, concluded that the development would cause "less than substantial harm". 

The statement said: "The proposals will improve the appearance of the existing site in the setting of the conservation areas, the Catholic Church of St Joseph and Portland House. 

"It will also, however, introduce a new, large building within the setting of the heritage assets incongruous with the surrounding built form, and will interrupt views out of the Conservation Areas." 

Council planning officers have yet to make a decision on the application. 

To view the full application visit the Stoke-on-Trent City Council website here.