Shop and flats plan for fire-ravaged historic pub

Part of The Leopard in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, could become a shop

Plans have been submitted to convert a historic pub in Stoke-on-Trent into a shop and assisted-living flats.

The Leopard Inn, in Burslem, was damaged in January 2022 when a fire led to most of the building being left with severe structural damage.

The building is Grade II listed and dates back to 1765.

It is also the place where Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley held a meeting to discuss plans regarding building the Trent and Mersey Canal.

It was bought in 2021 by a company called Daneets Investments Ltd, with the goal of refurbishing the property.

In a document submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the company's representatives said: “Leopard Inn had been difficult to maintain, having to face periods of closure throughout the early 2000s.”

The proposals show part of the building as a shop

The proposed scheme would see part of the basement and ground floor changed to retail space, while the remaining floors would provide 17 assisted-living flats.

An end user for the scheme had not been identified, although the documents show a mock-up with a Co-op logo.

The Co-op has been approached for a comment.

Documents submitted to the council add that the building’s basement is currently in a complete state of ruin.

All of the proposed flats would be one-bedroom, they said, with communal spaces also provided.

In addition, a new contemporary transparent staircase made of steel and glass would replace a damaged escape staircase to the south of the building.