Stoke-on-Trent City Council has said it is "committed to protecting" a Grade-II listed historic pub in Stoke-on-Trent.

This comes after a planning application was submitted for The Leopard, Burslem, earlier this week.

The owner has applied for permission to change the use of the building to one retail unit and 17 assisted living flats.

The council said they have been in regular contact with the owner of the landmark building and conversations have taken place around potential future uses.

Sadly, the building was damaged by a huge fire in 2022 (Google).

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "We remain committed to protecting this major heritage site and are keen to see it brought back into use to the benefit of local residents but we have made it very clear to the owner that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action if they fail to make any progress. 

"We have made it a priority to ensure the building is safe and that there is no risk to the public and nearby businesses and officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and representatives from Historic England visited the site last week to ensure the building remains secure. 

 "We will continue to work with the owner, and Historic England, to bring forward a more detailed planning application. This building is of significant historical importance to the local community, and once hosted a meeting between Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley, so we are committed to ensuring its historical characteristics are preserved for future generations."

The full planning application can be viewed here.

A decision is expected regarding these plans in the coming months (Image via planning application).

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READ MORE: New Stoke-on-Trent shop given green light to sell alcohol seven days a week

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