Derelict commercial buildings in Stoke-on-Trent are set to become a new large electric vehicle (EV) charging hub after a planning application was approved by the council.

Osprey Charging Network applied for permission to demolish The Quadrant, on Town Road, Hanley, and change the use of the land to a 16 charger high-powered EV charging hub back in August.

The 0.10 hectares site is currently a derelict commercial building, previously used by numerous businesses including a tanning studio and nail salon.

A cover letter stated: "This application is a resubmission of a previous application that was refused in April 2024, for the absence of a preliminary roost survey and assessment. This has now been undertaken (inc. nocturnal survey) in June 2024 and is appended to this application. All other details remain unchanged, and are therefore resubmitted with this application."

The commercial buildings are currently vacant, having previously been used by numerous businesses (Nub News).

A Design and Access Statement, submitted as part of the application, said: "Our proposal will serve as a vital piece of new infrastructure for both locals and for visitors passing on the road network. Further, it will serve to increase footfall at the local businesses.

"The proposed development will have minimal visual impact to the local area, as the chargers and associated infrastructure are limited to 2.3 metres in height; and as it will be completely contained within a small area at the edge of the high street.

These plans were approved by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 24 January 2025.

An Officer's Report, submitted by the council, says: "This development would be considered nowadays to be a typical town centre use. The increase in the presence of electric vehicles in today's society require such infrastructure and it would not be unusual for such a development to be located within a city centre.

"The location of this site on approach to the city centre via the A50 ring road is considered a sustainable location for this sustainable development."

The full planning application can be viewed here.

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