Council officials say there is 'no evidence' that graves have been disturbed at a disused historic church being turned into a mosque – after concerns were raised by the public.

Plans were lodged last August to convert the Grade II*-listed St John's Church in Hanley back into a place of worship and community centre.

The Town Road church, which dates back to 1788, closed in the 1980s, and more recently, up until 2020, it has been used as an antiques centre and tea room. A video has been circulating on social media which appears to show stacks of gravestones, some of them damaged, as external works are being carried out at the site.

This has prompted a spate of objections to the mosque plans being submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, with objectors raising concerns over the 'disgusting' damage to 'ancient headstones'. The church was originally surrounded by a graveyard, and while exhumations took place prior to the construction of the adjacent Potteries Centre in the 1980s, there may still be human remains present beneath the site.

The church dates back to 1788, closed in the 1980s and more recently was used as an antiques centre and tea room (LDRS).

Council officers visited the site last week and found no evidence of works currently being carried out, or that any graves had been disturbed.

A spokesperson for the city council said: "We are aware of the video which has recently resurfaced on social media which appears to date from September 2023. The concerns raised in this video are historical.

"Officers have visited the site this week and found no evidence of further works being carried out or any public health or safety concerns. It should be noted that St John's Church in Hanley ceased operation in 1985, having had uses other than as a place of worship since.

"Although it is probable that graves are present within the area around the church, there is no evidence to indicate that any have been disturbed. If any illegal activity is identified, including a non-permitted use of the building, we will ensure that appropriate action is taken. A planning application for a change of use of the building has been submitted, but has yet to be determined."

Council officers visited the site last week and found no evidence of works being carried out (Nub News).

The Darul Falah centre purchased the disused St John's Church for £140,000 last year. According to the planning application, returning the building to its original purpose as a place of worship and community facility would be 'completely logical and appropriate' and would allow it to 'once again serve the area as a cultural and community asset'.

While the building would be primarily used as a mosque, there would also be space on the ground floor available to the community 'and to individuals or all faiths or none'. The application has prompted more than 50 representations from members of the public so far, from both supporters and objectors.

In his comment, supporter Atiqulah Hossaini said: "Utilising the church helps in maintaining its architectural beauty. Vacant buildings can degrade, but this move ensures the conservation of a valuable piece of our city's past."

Objector Nicholas Longmore said: "I object to the plan to change of use to the church and grounds. The church is planned to become a mosque which in itself is of a detriment to anybody who wishes to attend the church for personal reasons. The church is also of a heritage to Stoke-on-Trent, with hundreds of years of history that will be wiped out by these plans."

In addition to the objections from the public, statutory consultees have also raised concerns over proposed changes to the interior of the building, which may require listed building consent. It is likely that the application will be called in to the council's planning committee for a decision.

The Darul Falah centre has been approached for a comment.

------------

READ MORE: Land earmarked for new supermarket in Stoke-on-Trent listed for sale

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.