'Unauthorised' supported housing which opened in a former pub could be allowed to continue operating – despite neighbours' complaints about anti-social behaviour, drugs, and people being naked outside.

The former Weston Coyney Arms was converted into flats, with planning permission, in 2019, but was subsequently sold and turned into specialist supported housing for adults with mental health needs or learning disabilities, without a change-of-use application.

A number of 'minor' changes have also been made to the outside of the building, on Weston Coyney Road, Weston Coyney, which were not included in the original planning application. Following an enforcement investigation by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, building owner Triple Point Social Housing REIT Plc applied for retrospective planning permission to 'regularise' its current use and the external alterations.

Twenty-one objections to the application have been received by the city council, with neighbours raising concerns over residents' anti-social behaviour and the suitability of the building and location. Objectors say that residents congregate outside and are abusive to other people, with some incidents involving drugs, violence and even people being naked outside.

Concerns have been raised about residents' anti-social behaviour (Google).

But officers at the council say the plans are in line with policy and have recommended the application for approval by the planning committee. While Staffordshire Police received 84 reports of incidents linked to the property over a 12-month period, the force says that the number of incidents has fallen since the departure of a particular resident.

Following talks with the council, the applicant agreed to reduce the capacity of the facility from 11 to nine, with two flats being turned into additional communal space. A number of external changes are also now proposed, including a new hedge to increase privacy.

The report to the planning committee states: "Concerns received from local residents centre around the anti-social behaviour that has been experienced since the occupation of the building for supported living. Staffordshire Police have been consulted on the application and, whilst they fully acknowledge that a high number of incidents have been logged at this address, these appear to relate to a particular individual who no longer resides at the property.

"The comments conclude that the site is now adequately managed with suitable policies in place such that the level of incidents have significantly reduced and for periods of time no incidents have been reported. On this basis, Staffordshire Police have not objected to the proposals."

The report concludes that the development is 'acceptable in principle and in terms of visual amenity, residential amenity, highway safety and ecology'.

A number of 'minor' changes have been made to the outside of the building on Weston Coyney Road (Google).

Weston Coyney resident Rachel Colley was among those objecting to the plans. In her comment, she states: "I object to the change of use based on serious safeguarding concerns I have for my children, others children and other vulnerable adults in the area.

"There have been numerous incidents reported of the residents running into traffic, lying in the road, locals including children being verbally abused and even a report of a female naked from the waist down in the road by the primary school."

Triple Point says that its aim is to provide specially adapted accommodation which allows vulnerable adults to live independently in the community while receiving care and support. According to the planning officers' report, an office at the property is staffed around the clock to allow staff to provide assistance to residents and respond to any incidents.

In a letter responding to the issues raised by the objectors, Triple Point states that various protocols are in place for tackling anti-social behaviour, including sending staff to 'de-escalate' situations and evicting tenants when necessary. The letter says that the majority of anti-social behaviour was linked to two individuals, who have since been 'moved on'.

Triple Point says it wants to work 'in partnership with the local neighbourhood wherever possible to address concerns' and create a 'symbiotic environment' for residents and neighbours. Planning committee members will make a decision on the application when they meet on July 17.

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