Council identifies surplus sites to support new housing in the city

Land and buildings owned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council have been reviewed to help pick out areas where new homes could be built.

As a result, the council has identified a number of surplus sites across the city that can now be put forward for consideration in terms of future development – for potential new homes or other purposes - as part of the forthcoming public consultation on Local Plan.

Following a cabinet meeting yesterday (Tuesday, 24th June), 11 sites have been deemed surplus to requirements and will be put forward for consultation.

They are a mix of vacant commercial buildings, former council service properties and industrial land. This includes the former Ball Green High School site, which has been vacant since closing in 1988.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We're reviewing the land and property we own across the city to identify areas that could support the building of new homes and other purposes.

“The council currently owns around 500 buildings and pieces of land, all of which cost a significant amount to maintain - and many are no longer needed. Reviewing these sites is an important part of our plans to save money, run more efficiently and unlock new opportunities for communities.

“We want to make better use of brownfield land and provide more homes for local people, and we are committed to listening to the views of residents and other stakeholders before making any decisions about the future of these sites.”

Once a site is declared surplus to requirements it does not mean a decision has been taken on its future use. The council is considering a number of options for each of the sites including regeneration, disposal or letting out its assets.

After the public consultation on the Local Plan, planned to start later in 2025, council officers will use the feedback from residents, developers and other groups to investigate different uses for the land and property to best meet the council’s priorities for the city.

The full list of sites is contained in the cabinet report: Committee Report