A Wetherspoons branch in Stoke-on-Trent has been granted permission for a refurbishment which aims to "improve the functionality of the building for both staff and customers".

The Reginald Mitchell, in Hanley, has also been given the green light to install accessible entrance doors at the front of the pub.

Back in June, JD Wetherspoon PLC applied for planning permission to "form new staff facilities within the existing staff areas, replacing part of the shopfront on Parliament Row and forming a new internal opening to allow the doors to be used as an accessible entrance."

A Heritage Statement, submitted as the building is Grade-II listed, says: "This proposal has two aims: to provide staff members with appropriate rest, changing and toilet facilities which are separate to those available to customers; and to move the accessible entrance to the pub to be next to the main entrance instead of at the back of the building.



The Reginald Mitchell, in Hanley, is a Grade-II listed building (Nub News).

"It provides a dedicated changing room, a locker room and a WC for the male staff members and the female staff members, greatly improving upon the single staff WC which is currently available, and allows wheelchair-using customers to enter the pub at the main entrance rather than round the back."

Planning officers at Stoke-on-Trent City Council approved these plans after no objections were raised by a Heritage Officer or Potteries Heritage Society.

An Officer's Report states: "The new access would benefit from the existing ramp previously used for the Tontine Street entrance, which is to be closed up for public access. Therefore, the alterations would not have any greater impact upon the character and appearance of the building and conservation area. The proposed works would enhance the accessibility of the heritage asset.

"The proposal would preserve and enhance the street scene, historical listed building and surrounding conservation area."

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