Heritage experts have called for a long-term plan to bring an historic pottery factory back into use following emergency demolition works.

Brickwork and joinery were removed from the Wade Heath Pottery Works in Burslem last year after an arson attack left the Grade II listed building at risk of collapse.

Westport Road had to be closed to traffic for six months due to the potential danger to the public.

Now planners at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have granted site owner Miller Homes retrospective listed building consent for the health and safety works.

Historic England and Potteries Heritage Society acknowledged the need for the works, but both organisations said the site needed a long-term strategy to prevent further problems occurring.

The building dates back to the late 19th century but has been out of use since 2010.

According to the application, the changes to the building were necessary due to the risk of 'uncontrolled collapse'.

The application states: "The benefits of the works are that they remove a health and safety risk.

"Given the proximity of Building A to Westport Road and the concern that elements of the building could collapse outwards, there is a potential risk to people outside of the site. There was further a risk to anyone on the site either authorised or unauthorised.

"There was also a potential risk that uncontrolled collapse could impact on other parts of the site. The reduction of risk of uncontrolled collapse secures the long-term conservation of the building."

The works included the 'careful' removal of charred trusses, the taking down of first, second and third floor masonry, and the removal of debris.

Historic England acknowledged the need to regularise these works in accordance with building control advice.

But it also called for an 'informed long-term plan in order to bring the site back into viable use and to prevent further harm and loss of historic fabric'.

Potteries Heritage Society supported the undertaking of the emergency works, and recommended that a restoration or maintenance plan to be put in place to 'avoid the buildings repeatedly falling into disrepair'.

Miller Homes has said it is continuing to investigate longer-term options for the repair and reuse of the building.

Council planning officers found the application complied with policy and granted listed building consent subject to conditions