Administration-hit developer set to build 54 flats in shadow of Three …

An administration-hit developers’ plans to build two apartment blocks on former industrial land in Stoke-on-Trent look set to get the go-ahead. Lane End Developments Construction lodged a full planning application to construct 54 affordable flats on a vacant brownfield site off Woodbank Street in Burslem.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s planning committee will meet this morning (December 6) to decide on the plans. The proposed development – on land next to the Grade II listed Three Sisters bottle ovens site – has been recommended for approval by a planning officer, subject to conditions and financial contributions totalling more than £30,000 to go towards sport provision and healthcare.

Back in April, 10 months after these plans were lodged, it was confirmed that the troubled Cheshire-based housebuilder had gone into administration. Managing directors of insolvency firm Quantuma Jeremy Woodside and Frank Ofonagoro, both of the firm’s Manchester office, were appointed joint administrators.

They hope to secure a sale of the business so housing projects can continue to operate and be delivered. The plans for the Woodbank Street site would see two three-storey apartment blocks constructed – one of which would have 31 one-bedroom flats while the other would provide 12 one-bed and 11 two-bedroom homes.

READ: Sloshed Samantha slashed partner with smashed vodka bottle in horrific attack | Binge-drinker Samantha Johnson, 33, lashed out after being told to cut down her boozing ^[1]

READ: Eddie Hall and wife Alexandra devastated after unborn baby dies | The couple had been expecting their third child ^[2]

In a report recommending approval, case officer Adam Kirkham-Ford concludes: “The scheme would deliver 54 much needed affordable apartments whilst also facilitating substantial urban regeneration. The proposal does not involve the loss of valuable greenspace and instead intends to deliver additional homes on a long vacant brownfield site which does little to preserve or enhance the City’s adjacent heritage assets.

The three remaining bottle ovens, known as the Three Sisters (Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)

“The development would deliver a generous amount of on-site open space, including a play area, whilst also allowing for a net gain in biodiversity terms. Residential amenity levels are judged to be acceptable and living conditions for residents would be of a good standard.

“Highway safety concerns have not been identified and the site is not at risk from any other environmental risks such as flooding, contamination or noise. Weighing against the development is the less than substantial harm arising to the adjacent heritage assets but this harm is offset by the public benefit derived from the scheme.

“In addition, the lack of private amenity space afforded to residents is a further moderate weight against the scheme but it is offset by the access to existing open spaces and the generous on-site provision.”

References

^{^} Sloshed Samantha slashed partner with smashed vodka bottle in horrific attack | Binge-drinker Samantha Johnson, 33, lashed out after being told to cut down her boozing (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Eddie Hall and wife Alexandra devastated after unborn baby dies | The couple had been expecting their third child (%20https)
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