Parts of master potter Josiah Spode II's former mansion will be turned into classrooms in a £2.9 million scheme. 

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has submitted plans to refurbish The Mount in Penkhull in order to create more space for The Willows Primary School next door.

The school is already using part of the ground floor of the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1803. 

But the first and second floors have been unoccupied since the building was last used as The Mount Education Centre in 2018, and have suffered from water damage and neglect.

Under the council's plans, first floor dormitories will be refurbished and brought back into use as three year six classrooms, which will allow the removal of a portable building. 

The extra space is needed following the expansion of the school from two to three form entry.

The proposals also include overhauling the original timber sash windows, repairs to the four Victorian towers, and the reinstatement of a lead covering to the main Georgian dome roof. 

According to the planning application, the works will 'conserve the strong architectural character of the building for future generations to enjoy'.

The application states: "The design intentions of the proposed conservation external fabric repairs are to repair like-for-like where possible and where modern alternatives are proposed they are to be of a similar visual character to the existing.

"The reinstatement of a lead covering to the main Georgian domed roof will make a positive contribution to the significance of the original building."

"The general conservation aim of the proposed alterations and demolitions to The Mount is to secure the retention of and conservative repair of the existing historic fabric and its architectural detail and to maintain and enhance its heritage value and long-term sustainability as a school as part of a group of architecturally significant education buildings.

Josiah Spode II lived in the original Georgian mansion until his death in 1827.

The Mount was extended when it was converted into a school for deaf and blind children later in the 19th century. 

The building was last used as The Mount Education Centre, which closed in 2018, and it now requires extensive repairs due to water damage and neglect.

Along with repairs to The Mount's historic features, the planned works will also see the removal of more modern additions, including a glazed corridor and external fire escapes. 

The project is one of the biggest individual schemes included in the council's current schools capital programme.

The applications for planning permission and listed building consent are being considered by planners at the city council.

Subject to the applications being approved, the works are expected to start in July.