Plans to build two family homes on the former site of one of Stoke-on-Trent's oldest houses have been refused.

Ford Green House in Smallthorne, which dated back to 1843, was demolished in January on safety grounds, following unauthorised access by travellers.

The building, a non-designated heritage asset, had been served with a dangerous structure notice after falling into serious disrepair.

Now, a planning application for two five-bedroom detached houses on the Ford Green Road site has been refused by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. A separate application for a third dwelling has yet to be determined.

Council planners said that while the development would make a 'modest' contribution to meeting Stoke-on-Trent's housing need, there were 'significant site specific harms' arising from the proposals.

According to the delegated officer's report, the scale and density of the proposed houses would result in an 'over-intensive' form of development that would cause harm to the character of the area.

Officers also said that there would be 'unacceptable' impacts in respect of residential amenity, highway access and drainage.

Highways officers had raised concerns over whether there would be sufficient manoeuvring space for the three parking spaces required for each of the proposed houses.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Potteries Heritage Society, flood officers and two residents also objected to the application.