A planning application seeking to convert a redundant warehouse at 48 Sneyd Street into a children's indoor play area has been approved.

The building, which is located to the rear of HCM Printers, will be adapted to create a soft play area and small café serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The resulting space will feature a number of small 'houses', creating the feel of a small town, which children can explore.

The application, which was first submitted back in February 2020, was met with positive feedback from several members of the public, who described it as a "fantastic idea," and a development which would "add great value to Leek."

However, other local residents raised concerns about bringing more cars to "an already overflowing street."

These reservations were seconded by Town Councillors Matt Swindlehurst and Keith Hoptroff, with the former saying: "I have been approached by a number of nearby residents. They have serious concerns about the impact on their ability to park in what is already a seriously congested area."

Cllr Hoptroff added: "Although this is a good plan, making use of a empty building with a much needed town centre facility, I share the residents' concerns that this is the wrong location.

"Although [there are] car parks are close by, some parents will still park on the road to avoid parking charges. Also, High Street car park is usually full on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

"There is also a safety issue with the entrance being very close to the road and the junction with Strangman Street.

"Sneyd Street/ Salisbury Street is very busy as a 'rat run' to avoid the town centre and with the gym and Co-op at the top it can become very congested at times and with the popularity of this it would only get worse.

"I also have concerns for families if they are walking down to the play centre due to the heavy traffic and the close proximity to the junction."

Leek Town Council recommended that Staffordshire Moorlands Council refuse the application, but it was ultimately accepted, on condition that the development begins within the next three years.

In order to avoid issues with increased parking and congestion in the area, Staffordshire County Council's Highways department recommended that details of nearby car parks be included in promotional material for the development, to discourage customers from leaving their vehicles on the street.