Empty buildings in Hanley's Cultural Quarter are set to be transformed into flats and new commercial premises after plans were given the green light by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Just two units currently remain in use in the row of buildings earmarked for redevelopment in Pall Mall.

But four ground floor commercial units are now proposed for 19-25 Pall Mall. The first and second floors will become living space, with the addition of a second floor and replacement roof at numbers 19-21.

Previously 12 flats were proposed for the site, across the ground, first and second floors. But plans were revised after concerns were raised about the introduction of residential accommodation on the ground floor and potential impact on residents.

The planning officers' report said: "The scheme has been revised during the application process, and the latest proposals along with supporting technical information, have now addressed concerns initially raised in relation to residential amenity, noise impact, design and impact on heritage assets. The application is now considered to be acceptable, subject to planning conditions."

It is hoped that a regeneration of the buildings will provide a 'transformative rebirth' of Pall Mall (Google).

A design, access and heritage statement submitted as part of the application said: "The existing buildings have progressively deteriorated due to disuse. Numbers 23-25 are the only two premises still in use; numbers 19-21, and the adjacent premises, have been boarded up to prevent access and the internals require a complete overhaul before the buildings are brought back into habitable use.

"The proposal consists of eight apartments comprising of one bedroom-one person, one bed two person and two bed-three person apartments with floor areas of 43 – 60 sqm. The aim of the proposed development is to retain ground floor commercial use and provide residential accommodation across upper floors, transforming the existing premises into an exciting place to live, work and visit, which will help start the creation of a new community within the Cultural Quarter.

"The hope is that a regeneration of the existing buildings will provide a transformative rebirth of Pall Mall. Due to its prime location, a residential development will benefit from existing amenities, shopping facilities and services."

A separate application has also been submitted to turn the neighbouring former nightclub at 27 Pall Mall back into a restaurant.  If the plans are approved a further four commercial units would also be created in the building, which was home to rock venue Bunker 13 until 2017.

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READ MORE: Council approves plans for 39 affordable homes in Newcastle

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