Phil Corrigan

Capital&Centric has submitted plans to redevelop part of Stoke-on-Trent's Grade II-listed Spode Works into a mixed cultural, commercial and leisure destination. The proposals include restoring China Halls as an exhibitions and events venue, creating covered padel courts, a cafe, bar and creative-business studios, demolishing several structures, and adding a potters' garden. A later phase is expected to provide more than 100 homes. The former factory closed in 2008, the city council acquired the site in 2010, and £10m in levelling-up funding has supported asbestos removal and museum improvements, although residents have criticised the slow progress.

Residents in Lightwood, Stoke-on-Trent, are opposing the city council’s plan to allocate 113 hectares of green belt land for 3,000 homes. They cite potential loss of wildlife and green space, increased traffic, and pressure on schools, roads and healthcare, while arguing that more brownfield land should be used. The council says the allocation is needed to meet high housing demand and national targets, and that safeguards for infrastructure are already included in the draft plan. A second consultation begins on 3 August, followed by a planning inspector’s public inquiry next year.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is expected to miss its £2.9m savings target aimed at reducing reliance on external residential placements for children in care, due to a persistent shortage of foster carers and rising private sector costs. Despite a slight decrease in the number of children in care, spending has not fallen, forcing the council to consider cuts elsewhere. Officials cite national profiteering in the care sector and are exploring options including supported accommodation for older teens and increased use of kinship carers. The council has relied on more than £60m in government bailout loans over the past three years due to high children's care costs.