Two blocks of council flats dating back to the 1950s are set to be demolished.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leaders agreed to decommission Bell House and Barker House in Blurton last year, after they were given the 'lowest grade' in a review of the authority's housing.

The three-storey blocks contain 60 bedsit-style flats but just one tenant remains, and the council has agreed terms to purchase the remaining leasehold properties. But proposals to dispose of the site to a social landlord for the development of new affordable housing fell through after provider withdrew their interest,

Cabinet members are now expected to approve the demolition of the buildings to reduce the site's holding costs while its future is considered. The demolition, which will start next February once a contractor has been appointed, will cost the council up to £710,271.

The report to cabinet states: "At the time of writing, the remaining leasehold property owners have agreed terms to voluntarily sell their properties to the council and have instructed lawyers to conduct the conveyancing.

"There is one remaining council tenant who is being supported to consider their options for alternative accommodation and legal advice is being taken on options for obtaining possession of the property. The council should therefore shortly have vacant possession of the site.

"Whilst the future of the site is under consideration, it is recommended to progress the demolition of the blocks, in order to reduce the holding costs and potential security problems associated with empty buildings."

The council is considering several options for the future use of the site once it has been cleared. One option would see the council develop new affordable housing on the land, with studies showing that it could accommodate around 55 one-bedroom apartments.

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Funding for such a scheme could be available from Homes England, but further feasibility work will need to be carried out.

An alternative proposal would involve disposing of the site to an external developer, although legal restrictions apply to the sale of council housing land. The council would also be unable to ensure the provision of new affordable housing if it sold the land.

Discussions have taken place within the council over developing supported living accommodation on the site, and adult social care bosses have expressed an interest.

While the long-term future of the site is decided, there could be community-focused 'meanwhile' uses, such as pop-up event or play spaces.

A spokesperson for the city council said: "I can confirm that, since April last year when the council approved the decommissioning of both Bell House and Barker House, work has been in progress to obtain vacant possession of the two three-storey blocks.

"These buildings date back to the 1950s and, using the council's housing revenue account scoring system – a data-driven framework that evaluates properties using technical, economic, and energy performance metrics – the two blocks have been rated at the lowest grade available."

Cabinet members will be asked to approve the demolition proposals when they meet on Tuesday 23 June.