Approval for Stoke-on-Trent pot bank apartments

Plans to build more than 70 flats and townhouses on a former Shelton factory site have been given the thumbs-up by city council planners this morning.

Under proposals put forward by Sterling Property last year, the 19th century Atlas and Cleveland pottery works on College Road will be converted into residential accommodation, with a purpose built apartment building set to be constructed on a neighbouring plot.

Together, the buildings will provide 72 homes, with 12 apartments in the new-build block set aside for affordable housing.

The application had been recommended for approval last week.

Eden Planning’s Alice Huxley told a meeting of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s planning committee that the proposals represented a “significant regeneration opportunity” within the city’s inner urban core. and within in a highly sustainable area.

“The proposal will deliver 72 new homes… through the sensitive conversion of the former Atlas and Cleveland Works buildings, alongside a carefully designed new apartment building. This comes at a time when the council is unable to identify a 5-year housing supply,” she said.

“The proposal will regenerate an underused site, secure the future of the Atlas and Cleveland works buildings, and will deliver much-needed housing.”

The former Atlas and Cleveland Works in Shelton could become apartments under new proposals. Credit: KMA via planning portal

The Atlas Works on College Road in Shelton was originally built in 1890 as an iron foundry and engineering works, but was later used for pottery manufacturing, while neighbouring Cleveland Works was built as a pottery factory in the early 20th century.

The buildings have been vacant since training provider Achieve quit the premises in 2022.

During a debate on the plans, Cllr Ross Irving described Sterling’s proposals as an “excellent scheme”, which would bring two historic buildings back into use – but expressed concerns over parking spaces near Hanley Park.

“I am concerned that we are going to put considerable pressure on that area of Shelton by not providing adequate [parking],”  he said.

“Everybody around that area fights for parking spaces.”

However the city council’s highways officers had not raised any objections to the proposals, and said census data provided by the applicant had demonstrated enough spaces for the development. Walking and cycling routes in the area also weighed into their assessment, the committee was told.

A report by Stoke on Trent’s planning officers said the plans, which do not include alterations to the street-facing facade or roofline of the former Atlas Works, would help to “reinforce the original architectural quality” of the building – with the addition of 25% of the scheme set to provide a positive impact against city housing targets.

Studio KMA have provided designs for the scheme, while the project team also includes Eden Planning & Development, Ethos Environmental, and Miller Goodall.

The plans were approved unanimously by the city council’s planning committee.

Documents and plans relating to the application can be found on the Stoke on Trent planning portal using reference: 25/FUL/00233