Homeless charity to get new 'fit-for-purpose' home

The new building will allow The Gingerbread Centre to consolidate their services on one site

A charity has received the go-ahead for a new "fit for purpose" supported accommodation for dozens of vulnerable families.

The Gingerbread Centre's new building on the former site of Fegg Hayes Sports and Social Club, in Oxford Road, Stoke-on-Trent, will include 54 apartments for homeless families and teenage mums.

Nearby residents had raised concerns over the size of the three and four storey development, and feared it could result in increased anti-social behaviour.

But planning committee members at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said they were reassured that the facility would be run by the charity, which has been operating in the Potteries since the 1970s.

The Oxford Road building will allow The Gingerbread Centre to consolidate the services it provides at its sites in Hanley and Normacot in one location.

John Chorlton, from applicant Nightingale Land, said: "The charity has already helped thousands of disadvantaged families.

"By combining the two services in a modern, fit-for-purpose building with increased capacity, the Gingerbread Centre can continue to help Stoke's most vulnerable families."

The application received three objections from residents in the area, who argued that Oxford Road was the wrong location for a supported housing scheme.

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