Tunstall Library plans in doubt over council heritage concerns
Proposals to convert a historic former Stoke-on-Trent library into 39 apartments have been recommended for refusal by planning officers – who say the heritage damage to the building would be too great.
The scheme, put forward by Tunstall Library Developments in October last year, would see a total of 39 new apartments built across the grade two-listed former Tunstall Library site, bringing the building back into use for the first time since the library service was relocated in 2022.
A spa pool and gym would also be built into the former public baths on Greengates Street, while the former Drill Hall would be set for a ground floor sports bar with more residential space above.
However, Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s planning officers have recommended the application be turned down ahead of a committee meeting on 15 July, after the council’s heritage team and Heritage England both raised significant concerns.
The council’s heritage officer said plans to insert a lift to allow access to the first floor would have a directly harmful impact on the character of the building’s decorative staircase, while planned internal works on the first floor would also cause significant harm to the historic fabric of the building, according to the council’s appraisal.
A critical report from the city council also raised issues with “narrow and contrived layout arrangements” proposed for the building, which they said would provide an “oppressive and poor level of amenity” for the building’s future occupants.
“Officers acknowledge the considerable investment made by the applicant in pursuing the proposal and are disappointed to recommend refusal following such an extensive period of collaborative working,” said the city council’s report.
“However, the authority must ultimately determine the application on the basis of the scheme submitted. In this case, notwithstanding the significant opportunities provided to address concerns and demonstrate compliance with relevant policy and legislative requirements, officers conclude that the proposal remains unacceptable in planning and heritage terms.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council will decide on the scheme at a planning committee meeting on 15 July.
Documents and plans relating to the proposals can be found on the city council’s planning portal under reference: 25/FUL/00513 and 25/LBC/00515.
