A planning application to convert a Leek warehouse into an indoor children's play area has been approved after a change in planning legislation meant the conversion no longer required planning permission.

Leek Nub News reported previously how Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee were due to meet back in May to discuss the application, but their decision was delayed in order for a highways consultation to be carried out.

The plans, submitted by a Mr P Goldstraw, will convert an old warehouse and joiner's workshop on Sneyd Street into a children's play area.

The building sits on the corner of Sneyd Street and Strangman Street, and dates back to the late 1950s or early 1960s, originally being built for manufacturing and storage purposes.

The building will now be converted for use as a children's play centre with a soft play area and small café serving hot and cold snacks and drinks. No exterior changes are proposed other than a non-illuminated sign above the entrance doors.

The plans have attracted considerable attention from residents, who appear to be split on the proposals.

Those in support felt that the conversion would add a valuable children's and family social facility to the town, while those who objected raised concerns about parking, traffic and road safety, and felt that the new business could jeopardise another children's play centre in Leek.

Leek Town Council recommended that the application be refused, saying the development would create parking issues in an already congested area, and raising safety concerns, saying Sneyd Street is used as a "rat run".

At a planning meeting held earlier today, district councillors were informed by planning officers that the plans no longer needed permission from the council to be carried out, as a change in planning legislation's use class order meant that the use of a children's play area fell under the same category as the building's previous use.

It was explained that the applicant was offered to withdraw the application and begin the work, but they wanted extra reassurance from councillors.

Clare Dawson, from the Leaps and Bounds children's play area in Leek, spoke against the application at the meeting.

She said: "I run the other play centre in Leek, and with Covid it's been a real struggle to keep it open, and another play centre in Leek will not survive.

"I'm also a resident just around the corner and parking is horrendous. There are a lot of other businesses down there and more flats opening, and there won't be enough parking. With it being a play centre there will be little children around and it won't be safe at all."

However, it was explained that competition from other businesses was not considered in planning terms, and it was up to the market to take its course.

Cllr Peter Jackson commented: "To me it's a done deal, I can't think of anything that could be done with the building that wouldn't increase the parking need.

"We don't have the grounds to refuse it, but even if we do the applicant can crack on and do it anyway."

Councillors voted to approve the application.