A planning application to convert a Leek warehouse into an indoor children's play area is now due to be decided this week after the application's initial decision was delayed.

Leek Nub News reported previously how Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Planning Committee were due to meet back in May to discuss the application.

The plans, submitted by a Mr P Goldstraw, aim 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.

However, the warehouse conversion was not discussed at the May meeting, despite being on the agenda, due to councillors and officers feeling that a highways consultation first needed to be carried out before a decision was made.

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".

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

A decision is now due to be made by the district council's Planning Committee on Thursday afternoon.