This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. The Staffordshire Signal has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own.
A fresh planning application could bring new life to Burslem’s historic Leopard Hotel, with proposals for 15 apartments, two commercial units and a new rear extension.
What’s new: Fresh plans have been submitted to transform the former Leopard Hotel in Burslem into 15 apartments and two commercial units.
Why it matters: The proposals seek to secure the future of the Grade II listed building after it was severely damaged by fire in 2022.
What’s next: Stoke-on-Trent City Council will consider applications for the redevelopment and the associated Listed Building Consent.
The historic Leopard Hotel in Burslem could be transformed into new commercial and residential space under fresh plans submitted for the site.
Permission is being sought to create 15 apartments and two commercial units at the Grade II listed former pub on Market Place.
The proposals also include a new rear extension and the demolition of sections of the existing building for safety reasons.
The Leopard was severely damaged by a fire in 2022, leaving parts of the building unsafe. Previous proposals to turn the former pub into shops and 17 flats were submitted before being withdrawn.
The latest plans have now been accompanied by a separate application for Listed Building Consent covering the proposed demolition, extension and alterations.
A heritage led redevelopment
A planning statement submitted with the application explains that the building became vacant in 2020 and was purchased by Daneets Investments in 2022.
“The building became vacant in 2020 and was purchased by the current owners, Daneets Investments, in 2022. Unfortunately, the building was severely damaged by fire in 2022.
“The extensive fire damage has resulted in the partial collapse of the building make it unsafe to access. Safety/demolition works have been carried out in full consultation with the council, however the site is still unsafe to enter and requires additional works to allow the remaining part of the building to be repaired and where appropriate replaced.
“The applications seek to regularise safety demolition works undertaken in November 2025, as well as consent for further essential safety works and (to) secure the building’s long-term future through a mixed-use redevelopment.
“The scheme is heritage-led and viability-informed. It prioritises retention and
restoration of the most significant surviving fabric, particularly the late 18th century main building and circa 1830 Market Place frontage, while replacing the irretrievably damaged rear aspect with a contemporary but sympathetic extension.
“The rear aspects of the building cannot be salvaged. A modern but sympathetic replacement is considered more appropriate than reconstruction that replicates what was there.
“The historically significant frontage, presently masked by scaffolding, will be retained and repaired wherever possible and reconstructed only where necessary using historic evidence and appropriate materials. The two ground-floor units will restore active frontage to Market Place and help support the vitality of the town centre.”
Written by Jenna Goodwin, with additional reporting by Kerry Ashdown, Local Democracy Reporter.
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