Empty BT building earmarked for flats

A vacant city centre office building could be turned into 99 flats.

Telecom House in Hanley was previously a base for BT staff but TT Group, which owns the seven-storey building in Trinity Street, has now submitted plans to convert it into residential accommodation.

The proposals would involve a mix of studio flats and one and two-bedroom apartments, along with secure bike storage and a recycling area.

The building would be a "car free" development, with only two accessible parking spaces for visitors on-site.

According to the application, Telecom House can no longer meet local demand for office space, and so the proposals would allow it to be brought back into use.

It said BT had been trying to let the space for a number of years, but with little success.

There are fears the empty building will become "a liability and an attractor of anti-social behaviour," the application added.

Under the proposals, all of the building's floors would be converted into flats, apart from the basement.

Part of the lower ground floor would be turned into a secure storage for up to 110 bikes, along with a refuse and recycling area.

The application makes the case that the city centre location "lends itself as a good location for a car free development", due to its proximity to amenities and public transport.

TT Group is seeking prior approval for the plans from Stoke-on-Trent City Council as full planning permission is not required for residential conversions.

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

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