Plans to turn two former pottery factories into 72 homes are set to be approved – despite strong objections from a neighbouring school.

Sterling Property Co Ltd's plans for the Atlas and Cleveland Works in Shelton would see the existing buildings converted into 18 flats and seven town houses.

The scheme would also include the construction of a new three to five-storey apartment block on vacant land next to the Cleveland Works, providing a further 47 flats.

Three objections to the application have been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, including one from St Mark's Primary School, which sits opposite the site in Lawrence Street.

Orchard Community Trust, which runs the school, has raised concerns over privacy and safeguarding, due to the proposed homes overlooking classrooms and playgrounds. But planning officers have recommended the scheme for approval, saying it will provide much-needed new homes in the area while regenerating an 'underutilised' brownfield site.

Members of the planning committee will consider the application when they meet on Wednesday, 24 June.

Sterling Property Co's application notes the existing buildings are 'non-designated heritage assets' of local historic and architectural significance.

The Cleveland Works building was built as a potbank in 1880, while Atlas Works, dating to 1900, was originally an iron foundry which was later also used for pottery manufacturing.

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More recently, both buildings were occupied by Achieve Training, which closed down in 2022. Part of the ground floor of the Atlas Works is occupied by engravers Simpson and Co.

The application says the proposal will bring forward a sustainable use for a part-derilict building, 'marrying the old with the new' and taking into account the site's historical context.

Orchard Community Trust believes the proposal is 'inappropriate and presents significant risks' for the school.

In its objection, the academy trust states: "Building residential properties directly next to the school may lead to direct line of sight into playgrounds and classrooms, compromising both the privacy and safeguarding of the pupils.

"Schools are legally and morally required to provide a safe and secure environment for children – any development that encroaches on this compromises that duty."

Orchard Community Trust also raises road safety concerns due to development's proposed vehicular egress onto Lawrence Street.

But planning officers note the existing buildings on the site already includes windows that face towards the school, and that it is situated next to existing public routes. They say that it 'has not been demonstrated that the proposed residential development would give rise to unacceptable safeguarding impacts'.

The development will include 74 parking spaces for residents across two car parks. According to the report to the planning committee, the amount of traffic exiting the site during school run times would be 'minimal'.

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Planning officers say the development is acceptable on heritage grounds, and that the lack of on-site open space can be mitigated against through a financial contribution towards existing greenspace and sports facilities.

The report to the committee states: "The principle of the proposed development here can be supported from both a national and local planning policy perspective.

"The scheme would deliver 72 needed residential units with a policy compliant quantum of affordable housing expected on-site. In doing so, the scheme is able to regenerate a visually prominent yet underutilised brownfield site but also bring a non-designated heritage asset back into use."

Officers have recommended approval subject an agreement to secure the financial contributions and 25 per cent on-site affordable housing.