An historic building currently providing office space in Burslem could be converted into a children's home.

Portland House dates back to the 1830s, when it was built as a merchant's house, and is grade two listed.

A planning application has now been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council to change the use of the three-storey building on Newcastle Street to a residential home providing care to up to five children.

Listed Building Consent is also being sought for the change.

A planning statement submitted as part of the application said the site was intended to provide Ofsted-regulated care for children aged eight to 17, supported by continuous 24-hour staffing.

It added: "The area is well served by local schools and by public transport along Newcastle Street and the B5051, making the site a highly accessible and sustainable location for the proposed use.

"The building has a long history of institutional use.

"Following its residential origins it served as a County Technical School from 1948, later a Teachers' Centre and home to the School of Art, and it is currently in use as offices.

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The site sits within its own grounds, set back from Newcastle Street behind mature boundary trees and enclosed by a stone and brick boundary wall, with private off-street parking for 10 cars together with private amenity/garden space of approximately 500 sq m.

"The home will operate in accordance with a management plan covering staffing and shift patterns, the type of care provided, behaviour and noise management (including quiet hours), security measures, strict visitor controls, a Good Neighbour Policy with a dedicated neighbour contact and complaints procedure and parking and transport management, all of which the applicant would be content to secure by condition."