Residents back plans to build more homes
Neighbours of a disused school are supporting plans to build new homes on the site.
Until 2004, Boothen Primary School was on the site between London Road and All Saints Road in Stoke. However, since the school's closure the land has had various owners that have failed to redevelop the site, even though part of the main building has been demolished.
Residents living close to the site have complained that the area has become overgrown and regularly attracts anti-social behaviour. Many say they are desperate for the area to be redeveloped after previous plans to develop the site fell through.
Michael Rhodes, who lives adjacent to the school told This is Staffordshire: "I'd prefer there to be houses there."
"We were hopeful something would be done a couple of years ago when it got planning permission, but the next thing we knew it was up for sale again," he added.
At present, a Wolverhampton-based company has submitted planning application to Stoke on Trent City Council, to build 23 two and three storey houses after the demolition of the remaining building. If planning permission is granted recruitment for building jobs in the local area could receive a welcome boost.
Councillor Pauline Joynson represents Stoke and Trent Vale and lives nearby in All Saints Road.
"When I hold my surgeries people often complain about it. People are fed up of looking at it. It's been a mess for some time, but now it's overgrown."
"Housing is a good thing. People are always after affordable housing. I think it'll build people's aspirations and bring the whole area up," she said.
Author: Hannah McLaverty-Williamson
Keywords: building jobs