The cost of a new council housing estate with 'too small' homes has risen to £31 million.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is set to build 117 flats, houses and bungalows on the former site of Brookhouse Green Primary School in Bentilee.

'High level' cost estimates for the construction works were around £18 million when plans were submitted in 2022.

But the expected total cost of the Wellfield Road project, including developer overheads and profits, has now increased to £31.1 million – making it the single biggest investment in affordable housing in Stoke-on-Trent's history.

According to a council report, the increased cost is due to various factors including design changes to meet new fire safety standards, the heating strategy and compliance with building regulations.

The planning committee approved the application for the development in May, although some councillors raised concerns that the 10 houses and four bungalows would not meet national space standards.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the updated budget and delegate authority to take the project forward when they meet on Tuesday.

The former Brookhouse Green Primary School site in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent. Funding has been secured to bring the site forward for development. (LDRS)

Cllr Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: "This is a history-making housing project, which will deliver the types of affordable homes that many people are crying out for in the city.

"It is also one of many schemes we will be looking to deliver over the next few years as we make housing – ranging from single occupier bungalows up to larger family homes – a real focus. We will also be making it a priority to transform brownfield and current derelict sites as we regenerate our city.

"By working together, we're making great strides to bring much-needed new homes to the city to ensure families can live their best lives now and into the future."

Artist\'s impression of the proposed Brookhouse Green housing development in Bentilee. (Planning application)

The scheme is being funded through £13.8 million in Right to Buy receipts, £15.3 million of borrowing, and £1.9 million secured from the Brownfield Land Release Fund.

The council entered an agreement with John Graham Construction Ltd in March, with building work due to get under way in November.

According to the report to cabinet, the cost increases were 'inevitable' given the stage of the design, 'regardless of the contractor appointed'.

The scheme will consist of 53 supported living flats for the over-55s, 50 two-storey apartments, 10 houses and four bungalows.

It is one of 23 schemes included in the council's Housing Pipeline, which could deliver up to 4,857 homes, subject to enough funding being secured. A report on the Housing Pipeline is also due to be discussed by cabinet members on Tuesday.