'Stressed' neighbours stop homes being built on legendary potter's farm site

Penkhull Farm
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Plans to transform the site of a historic but dilapidated farm have been scrapped - after sparking objections from neighbours. More than three years had passed since Excel Construction submitted both full planning and listed building consent applications to reinstate the Grade II-listed Penkhull Farmhouse as a house and convert barns into six new homes before the application was withdrawn. The scheme also included plans to build a further four houses at the rear of the site.

The proposed site plan had been revised and superseded for a fourth time, while amendments relating to barns 'A, B and C' had been submitted. New documents were also lodged as part of the application - including proposed boundary treatments, pedestrian routes and streetscene sections.

This resulted in a number objections being registered with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, with neighbours saying their concerns remained.

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John Wright, of Meliden Way, said his latest objection was the third since the applications were lodged back in the summer of 2021.

He wrote: "We do not feel the proposed new builds are sympathetic to the area."

Wife Valerie added: "The new houses are very close to our own boundary which will impose on our light and privacy. We are concerned that given the size of the new builds plus the barn conversions there will be a considerable amount of vehicles."

'Stressed' Brian and Judith Bullock, also residents on Meliden Way, had raised concerns over a loss of sunlight and privacy.

They added: "We strongly object to the proposal."

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According to Historic England, Penkhull Farmhouse probably dates back to soon after 1780, when Josiah Spode II leased the farm. Planning permission and listed building consent has previously been secured for the restoration of the farmhouse, off Garden Street, but the consent had expired prior to the recent plans being lodged.

According to the planning application, the appearance of the farmhouse would have been brought back to 'as close as possible' to its original condition.

It stated: "The proposals will help to facilitate a new lease of life for the buildings and will make a highly positive contribution to the quality of the built environment and the economic regeneration of the original Penkhull Farm site."

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