Plans to turn a former church into living space have returned to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

The authority refused permission in 2018 for the old Victoria Road Methodist Church in Fenton to be converted into nine one-bedroom flats because the proposed development was considered unsustainable.

Now a fresh application has come forward to convert the Victoria Road building into a nine-bedroom HMO (house in multiple occupation).

The church has been out of use since December 2014, the application stated.

The council's highways department has raised no objections to the latest plans.

The department said: "It is noted that planning permission was previously refused for the change of use to nine flats; although permission was refused, the Local Highway Authority deemed the proposals acceptable.

The former church on Victoria Road has not been used since 2014 (Google).

"The site has no off-street parking provision which is not ideal, however the previous use of the premises as a Methodist Church also operated without any off-street parking provision. Victoria Road is a Red Route and therefore there is no opportunity for perspective residents to park on street.

"There are community car parks located off Adrian Street and Clarence Street. Victoria Road is also served well by public transport links, with bus stops close by providing regular services between Hanley City Centre and Fenton/Longton Town Centres, (and) the site is also reasonably close to Fenton Town Centre which provides local services and amenities.

"It would be beneficial for Travel Packs to be provided for each unit prior to first occupation and secured by a condition. If an area of cycle storage could be provided then this would also be welcomed."

READ MORE: What's on in Stoke this weekend - Live Wrestling, Theatre and 80s Night

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.