Flats plan for office building set for approval

Telecom House in Hanley could be turned into 99 flats

Plans to turn a vacant city centre office building into 99 flats have been recommended for approval.

The disused Telecom House in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, would be converted into 24 studios, 61 one-bedroom flats and 14 two-bedroom flats under the proposal submitted by TT Group.

The firm said the development would be "car free" but with two accessible parking spaces and storage for 110 bikes.

A report with the planning application said the building on Trinity Street was in a "highly sustainable" location in the city centre, within walking distance of amenities including the bus station.

The seven-storey building was previously a base for British Telecom staff. A full planning application is not required as certain residential conversions are allowed under permitted development rules.

In a report to Stoke-on-Trent City Council's planning committee, planning officers described the development as "acceptable" and recommended members approve the proposal.

The committee is expected to make a decision on the plans during a meeting on Wednesday.

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