Controversial plans to move a historic statue of Josiah Wedgwood are still recommended for approval – despite fears the artwork could lose its impact.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council wants to relocate the Grade II-listed Wedgwood statue standing in Winton Square, opposite Stoke Station, as part of a wider £9 million revamp of Station Road – which includes the installation of a bus gate to block most through traffic.

The proposal would see the statue moved across the road to a spot immediately in front of the station entrance, which consultants believe would allow for 'greater appreciation' by station users.

But members of the council's planning committee questioned the need for relocation, raising concerns that it could have the opposite effect.

In December the committee deferred making a decision on the wider scheme so the option of retaining the statue in its current location could be assessed.

A new report considers the pros and cons of keeping the statue where it is, relocating it as originally proposed, or moving it back away from the road.

The proposals would see the Josiah Wedgwood statue moved across the road to a spot immediately in front of the station entrance (Nub News).

But officers are still recommending that the statue is moved across the road. Committee members will make a final decision when they meet on Wednesday.

The wider scheme would see the realignment of Station Road to create a wider footway outside the station entrance.

According to the new report, moving the statue across the road to the edge of the widened pavement would provide 'greater impact' and create a 'focal point for visitors exiting the station'. Being on the inside of the bend would also make it 'less vulnerable to accidental vehicle strikes'.

But the report acknowledges that 'closer 360-degree appreciation' of the statue would no longer be possible, and it would not be centrally located within Winton Square.

Keeping the statue in place would maintain its central location, the report says, meaning its front would be visible from a wider area.

But a number of cons are listed, including the statue being less prominent to station users and greater risk from accidental vehicle strike. The report also says the statue's position within a line of 'hostile vehicle mitigation' benches could be a 'potential weak point', although this is considered a 'low risk factor'.

A third option – moving the statue back towards the hotel – has been discounted due to 'insurmountable' highways issues relating to maintenance access, and the need for works on privately-owned land.

Planning committee members will meet to discuss the plans on Wednesday (Nub News).

The report concludes by recommending the original proposal. It states: "Both relocating the statue to the opposite side of the road and [keeping it in its current location] are feasible options for the location of the statue. On balance and having considered all of the issues outlined above it is considered that relocating the statue to the opposite side of the road remains the most suitable option for the delivery of the Station Road scheme."

Planning committee member Ross Irving, who was among those who raised concerns over the statue move during the previous meeting, said he would examine the advantages and drawbacks of each option.

Cllr Irving said: "I will weigh up the pros and cons of the options. I think the idea of pedestrianising the area in front of the station is a good one, but we should protect what is a beautiful mock Jacobean square. The statue is just one aspect of the overall scheme, but it is an important one. It's important that we make the right decision."

Committee deputy chairman Andy Platt said: "I think it's a fair report that will help members make a decision."

The plans for Station Road are part of a raft of improvements to public transport funded through Stoke-on-Trent's £29 million allocation from the Transforming Cities fund.

Planning committee members will meet to discuss the plans at 10am on Wednesday.

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