A planning application to convert a redundant Leek warehouse into an indoor children's play area will be decided next week.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee are due to meet on Thursday next week to discuss the application, submitted by a Mr P Goldstraw, to 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 application, if approved, would see the building 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, with 16 letters of support and 12 letters of objection being submitted to the district council.

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".

However, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's planning officers have recommended the plans for approval, saying that there are "no sustainable reasons to withhold planning permission."

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee will have the final say on the application next week.

If you would like to view the application in full, click here.

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