Plans to transform a vacant Grade II-listed school in Stoke-on-Trent into accommodation for vulnerable adults have been refused by the local council.

In January 2023, Urban Village Group applied for the "change of use for up to 28 self-contained units for vulnerable adults providing temporary accommodation to include various internal and external building and site works" at the former St Lukes Primary School in Hanley.

The site, on Wellington Road, has been vacant for many years and so has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The facility would have provided temporary accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse (Nub News).

The developer also applied for permission to carry out "restoration, repair and alteration works [...] including new windows, window openings, internal structural alterations, installation of new first floor structure and landscaping works".

The proposals were for 28 one-bedroom flats and a Design and Access Statement revealed the accommodation would be for survivors of domestic abuse.

The statement continues: "The intention shall be that survivors reside in the self- contained studio or flat accommodations and share some communal spaces to promote a small community. Their tenure shall be short- medium term up to 2 years."

The plans were refused by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 9 August (Nub News).

These plans were refused by Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 9 August and an Officer's Report says: "Insufficient information has been submitted with the application as the scheme fails to justify the less than substantial harm which would be inflicted upon the Listed Building.

"Additional information pertaining to less harmful options, the visual impact of the proposed changes at roof level, details of how the internal wall insulation would be fastened against the tiled walls without causing harm, the extent of loss that would be caused to the internal timber screens and glazing with evidence that their potential reuse elsewhere in the building has been considered, and an assessment of options for the retention of at least some of the internal features and details of the new rooflights and spandrel panels, any replacement external doors and reclaimed roof tiles, and the proposed double-glazing units has all been requested and not received."

The full planning application can be viewed here.

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READ MORE: Section of road remains closed over a year after partial collapse of building in Stoke-on-Trent

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