City planners have refused a plan to transform a vacant industrial workshop in Stoke-on-Trent into apartments.

Bona Properties Ltd wanted to convert the two-storey L-shaped building on Anchor Place in Longton into seven one-bedroom apartments.

But now planners at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have blocked the plans due to concerns around parking and the lack of natural light in two of the flats.

The officer's report said: "With regard to the bedrooms for flats 4 and 6 on the first floor, the only natural light received would be via 2 small existing rooflights located within the rear roofline.

"This raises concerns that not all the proposed residential units would be able to receive an adequate level of natural light."

It is thought the building dates back to the Victorian period however, parts of the structure are now "of unsightly appearance, having fallen into dereliction over time."

The building, close to Longton town centre, does not have listed status nor is it in a registered Conservation Area, but council planners insisted their concerns about parking would need to be addressed before they could consider the application again.

The report added: "The submitted planning statement states that one parking space would be available within the existing yard area for use by future residents.

"It is not clear whether this be allocated to one particular unit or how this would be managed?

"Based on emerging parking standards, one-bedroomed units would require 7 off street parking spaces.

"Whilst Anchor Place is protected by existing residents' parking permits, there are concerns that the lack of parking may result in on street parking taking place in the nearby area, such as Anchor Road.

"Whilst it is accepted that the proposed residential use may be less intensive when compared to the previous commercial use, what measures could be taken to promote sustainable travel, given the site's location close to Longton town centre?"

The applicant can appeal the decision.

Read the full application here.

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READ: How you can help shape the future of a historic fire-damaged Stoke-on-Trent pub

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