A pre-application to convert a former Stoke-on-Trent nightclub into flats has been rejected. 

Wolverhampton Properties Ltd submitted a pre-application to turn Trinity House on Trinity Street, Hanley into 23 self-contained flats without any external alterations.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council rejected the application on 13 January 2026, following a report by planning officers which recommended that the plans were refused.

Planning officers explained that at least the ground floor of the building was previously occupied by a nightclub which does not fall into the use class used on the application (Class E).

The report states: "Google images dating from May 2024 suggest the building was used for the occupation of Groove Castle, and in September 2023 the building was occupied by TTL Night Club.

"The building was also occupied and advertised as JNX Bar and The 90s Bar in the years preceding this."

The report added: "It is clear and credible from the evidence available to the LPA that the application fails to have fallen within a use as described on the application form and as set out under the terms of class MA. It is therefore considered that the application fails to comply with the legislation in this regard.

"It is also therefore questionable as to how accurate the submitted existing floor plans are, considering the previous use of the space and with the submitted floor plans suggesting an existing office use for the whole building."

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The planning officers also explained that plans for eight of the two-bedroom flats would fall below the spatial standard for three people.

The applicant has the right to appeal the decision.

The full report can be viewed here.