HOMES PLANNED ON STOKE CITY’S FORMER FOOTBALL STADIUM

An outline planning application to redevelop Victoria Ground, Stoke City’s former football stadium, for homes, has been submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council by St Modwen Developments Ltd, following lengthy consultations with the council, Environment Agency and the local primary school.

The proposals include a new roundabout access off Campbell Road enabling improved vehicle access to Bishop Stamer Primary School; opening up the River Trent through the site by removing a concrete channel to give the river a more natural profile; and provision of public open space to include playing fields for the school.

A public exhibition was held last year to inform local residents and interested parties of the proposals and to receive their comments and views. The application has, wherever practicable, taken the outcome of such consultation into account. A full environmental assessment of the proposals has also been undertaken.

Euan Lindsay, development manager with St Modwen, said: “The redevelopment of the Victoria Ground has been long delayed since we acquired the site and demolished the old stadium after relocating Stoke City Football Club to the new Britannia Stadium in 1997.

“The longest part of that delay was caused by highway issues which could not be resolved until the go-ahead was given to the works on improving the A500. Subsequent delays came through prolonged debate as to what type of development could obtain planning support. We are very conscious of the frustration felt by local residents. We too have been frustrated in not being able to secure redevelopment of the site before now.

“However, we are now confident that we have a proposal that should be capable of being progressed and look forward to continuing to work with the planning authority to secure planning as early as possible. “

For further information contact Euan Lindsay (01782 281844). Issued by Paul Raymer of Howle Chapman Raymer (0121 236 7771).