A derelict former pub site on a busy roundabout in North Staffordshire can finally be redeveloped – five years after the boozer shut its doors.

The empty Darlaston Inn north of Stone has become a target for vandals after closing in 2018 due to falling trade.

A bid to build a KFC branch and petrol station on the land was turned down by Stafford Borough Council in 2019 because of road safety fears for pedestrians crossing the busy A34 to reach the restaurant. It went to appeal but was dismissed by a planning inspector the following year.

A second application came forward in 2021 to demolish the pub and Wacky Warehouse play area and build a petrol station – but the restaurant proposals were removed. The plans were again rejected by the borough council because of road safety fears.

The application went to appeal, but this time it has been allowed by planning inspector Ben Plenty, despite objections being raised by the county's highways authority. Permission has now been granted to pull down the existing buildings to make way for a 24 hour petrol station, eight electric vehicle charging points, car washing facilities and sales building including convenience store, food counter and toilet facilities.

The venue will be demolished to make way for a 24 hour petrol station, EV charging points, car washing facilities and a sales building (LDRS).

Mr Plenty's decision notice stated: "The proposed development would reuse previously developed land and would have a reduced effect on the openness of the Green Belt. This would result in a form of development that would enhance the character and appearance of the area.

"The proposal would also deliver an important roadside service and help motorists to break-up their journeys, encouraging safe driving practices. The site would also include electric charging points which would be a benefit of the proposal.

"The proposal the subject of the previous appeal in 2020 would have generated a substantially greater level of pedestrian activity due to its inclusion of a drive through restaurant. Its exclusion has removed the related on/off site pedestrian activity and thus substantially lowered the number of pedestrians that would enter the site, lowering the potential for pedestrian/motorist conflicts within the gyratory.

"Interested parties have objected to the loss of the public house, however whilst of traditional design the building is of limited architectural interest and closed due to insufficient custom. Furthermore, an alternative facility exists in Meaford providing a similar service to the local community."

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