Station plans deferred over statue relocation fears

The Josiah Wedgwood statue would be relocated as part of the £9m revamp

A decision on plans to revamp the area outside Stoke-on-Trent’s railway station has been delayed following concerns over a landmark statue.

The Josiah Wedgwood statue would be moved closer to the station as part of the £9m transformation of the area on Station Road.

But councillors fear that moving the statue, one of the first sights for visitors arriving by train, would reduce the its "impact".

The proposal is part of a £29m scheme aimed at improving travel between the station and city centre in Hanley.

During a meeting of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, councillor Ross Irving said: “It [the station] is the finest example of an early Victorian railway station development in the country and I’m concerned about the impact on people arriving.

"When they walk out of the station they see Winton Square in all its glory, with Josiah Wedgwood at a distance so you can appreciate the entire statue."

The £9m scheme would transform the area outside the front of the station

He said if the statue was moved closer to the station it would lose the "vista and impact" it has on the square.

"I’m concerned we will lose a huge heritage asset that will be missed by visitors, that says it all about what Stoke-on-Trent is all about," Mr Irving added.

Committee vice-chairman councillor Andy Platt questioned why the statue was set to be moved but said the overall redevelopment would be an improvement.

The committee was told that its current location was "cluttered" and it would be unable to remain in place due to the proposed realignment of the road between Leek Road and College Road.

Members voted to defer the planning application so the location of the statue could be reconsidered.

The council previously said the scheme would encourage active travel by providing a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing congestion and improving access for buses.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.