Repair works are set to be carried out at a fire-gutted former pottery factory.

The planned works at the Grade II* listed Price and Kensington Teapot Works in Longport will involve re-roofing two derelict buildings on the site and stabilising their walls to make them structurally sound.

Building owner Wayne Walker Quality Meats has applied to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for listed building consent for the repairs.

The Teapot Works, which dates back to the early 19th century, closed more than 20 years ago and since then has been subjected to repeated vandalism, arson attacks and fly-tipping.

Mr Walker, whose business lies next to the potbank, unveiled long-term plans to turn the site into a 'destination' retail and leisure scheme two years ago. The current application does not seek a change-of-use, only covering the proposed repair works at the post office and rear range buildings.

According to a condition survey submitted as part of the application, the two-story post office is in a 'very poor condition' following a major fire in 2020, with most of its roof lost and damage to internal and external walls

Parts of the rear range, which is attached to the site's bottle kiln, are considered to be in a 'dangerous' condition, following the collapse of walls and significant water ingress.

The application states that the proposed works will make these buildings 'structurally sound, wind and watertight, and restore elements of the building which have been damaged or lost'.

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It claims that any harm to the building will be outweighed by the 'public benefits of bringing the fire-damaged and partially-collapsed Grade II* listed buildings at risk into a good state of repair'.

An application for an Historic England repair grant to cover the cost of the proposed works is due to be submitted.

Council planners are expected to make a decision on the application by 23 June.