Plans for a large electric vehicle (EV) charging hub in Hanley town centre have been rejected by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Osprey Charging Network applied for permission to demolish The Quadrant, on Town Road, and change the use of the land to a 16 charger high-powered EV charging hub.

The 0.10 hectares site is currently a derelict commercial building, previously used by numerous businesses including a tanning studio and nail salon.

A design and access statement, submitted as part of the application, stated: "Our proposal will serve as a vital piece of new infrastructure for both locals and for visitors passing on the road network. Further, it will serve to increase footfall at the local businesses.

"The proposed development will have minimal visual impact to the local area, as the chargers and associated infrastructure are limited to 2.3 metres in height; and as it will be completely contained within a small area at the edge of the high street.



Osprey Charging Network applied for permission to demolish the existing buildings and install 16 new EV chargers (Nub News).

These plans were rejected on 11 April 2024, due to security and wildlife concerns.

An Officer's Report says: "Although it is noted that the site includes a substation and EV charging infrastructure no detail in terms of how the site would be secured has been included within the application.

"Information relating to this application is not of a sufficient standard to enable the case officer and others involved in the process to fully assess the impacts of what is proposed.

"The application site has the potential to house bats, a European Protected Species, and this is a material planning consideration.

"However, no suitable preliminary roost assessment / survey has been submitted in support of the application despite the LPA formally requesting one."

------------

READ MORE: Detectives appeal for witnesses following serious assault in Stoke-on-Trent

Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stoke Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our city.

Please consider following Stoke Nub News on Facebook or Twitter.