COUNCIL GO-AHEAD FOR DOULTON HOMES
Factory gates will be incorporated into 216-house estate after developer’s detailed designs approved
MORE than 200 houses will be built on the site of one of Stoke-on-trent’s most iconic pottery factories after detailed plans were approved.
The decision means developer St Modwen Homes can start building the housing estate at the former Royal Doulton factory, in Burslem, once the remaining buildings have been demolished. Outline planning permission was granted for the site, which has been unused for 15 years, last September. The 11-acre site will be known as Kiln Gate.
The one, two and three-bedroom properties will be a mixture of houses and flats.
The former factory shop will be replaced with a new building that will include the original ‘Royal Doulton’ lettering. The iconic factory gates will be incorporated into the development.
St Modwen Homes managing director Dave Smith said: “Since the factory’s closure in 2005, this has been a challenging site to bring through to development.
“Working closely with Stoke-on-trent City
Council – and through the support of the Government’s housing infrastructure fund – we have been able to unlock the site and can now move forward with its eagerly-anticipated regeneration.
“Royal Doulton has a strong connection with Burslem and Stoke-on-trent and we’ve designed this development to respect that heritage while developing its own new character for families to enjoy for the future.”
Council planners approved the 216-home scheme during the coronavirus pandemic without the latest application being considered by councillors.
Joanne Powell-beckett, the city council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “This development will deliver much-needed, quality housing to the area and bring more people into Burslem, giving the town a big boost.
“We’ve worked with St Modwen on many successful regeneration schemes in the city over the years and it’s really pleasing to hear that the iconic factory gates will be incorporated into the development, which will preserve a piece of the city’s identity and history.”