Plans for new retail units and flats on a vacant former school site in Stoke-on-Trent have been rejected by the council. 

The land opposite Pak Foods on Belgrave Road in Dresden has been vacant since Dresden Primary School closed in 2002 and the buildings were demolished in 2016. 

The applicant and owner of the site, Kandore Properties Ltd, applied for permission to build six retail units on the site, all of which would have a two-bedroom flat above.

But these plans were rejected by Stoke-on-Trent City Council yesterday (28 September).

The land has been vacant since Dresden Primary School closed in 2002 and was demolished in 2016 (Nub News).

Nine comments were received in total - three against the proposals and six in support of the application. 

Miss Lauren Grace said: "Longton is 10 minute walk away and a shopping unit like this would be better suited there. The congestion/parking and traffic is already bad enough now, that is a dangerous corner to turn out of and more shopping units will make it worse. This is a quiet, residential place and we do not need more shopping units."

On the other hand, Mr Awais Shezen commented: "The proposed development presents a significant opportunity for urban regeneration in our area. Stoke Upon Trent has seen its fair share of challenges over the years, and this project can breathe new life into the neighborhood. By revitalizing unused or underdeveloped land, we can revitalize our community and attract new businesses, residents, and investment."

The new retail units, on Belgrave Road, would have provided 18 new jobs (Nub News).

Planning officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council concluded that the assessment "failed to demonstrate that the proposed retail units are appropriate in this out-of-centre location" and "the proposals raise significant concerns for highway safety".

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