Stoke-on-Trent Council to Consult on Future of 10 Tower Blocks

A major consultation is set to be launched with residents and stakeholders on the future of 10 council-owned tower blocks.

If the council's cabinet gives the plan the green light, people living or leasing flats within the blocks, as well as the city's wider tenants' forum, will be asked to have their say on two new proposals for the high-rise blocks.

They have been proposed as the best ways forward following an independent assessment, which also concluded that a previously-approved option of demolition and redevelopment is no longer financially viable.

The blocks involved are:

• Arthur Cotton Court and Port Vale Court, Burslem
• Boundary Court, Brookfield Court and Forest Court, Hanley
• Dibden Court, Penkhull Court and Southern Court, Stoke
• Pedley Court and Robinson Court, Blurton

Built in the early 1970s, they contain a total of 374 homes, including 315 rented properties and 59 leasehold flats.

The council previously approved, in principle, the demolition and redevelopment of all 10 blocks in January 2023 following resident consultation. However, rising construction costs, inflation, increased borrowing costs and growing financial pressures on the Housing Revenue Account and the increasing demand for this type of housing mean that a full redevelopment programme is no longer sensible.

The new independent options appraisal completed earlier this year assessed a range of possibilities for the buildings and concluded that two options should now be taken forward for public consultation:

• Enhanced refurbishment of all 10 blocks, including upgrades to roofs, windows, external walls, heating systems, ventilation and fire safety measures, providing a sustainable future for the buildings of a target of more than 25 years.
• A hybrid option, involving enhanced refurbishment of seven blocks and demolition of three Hanley blocks identified as the lowest performing, with those sites then "banked" for future brownfield site development consideration.

A six-week consultation is proposed from 21 September to 2 November, giving residents, leaseholders and stakeholders the opportunity to share their views before any final decision is made.

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for Safe and Resilient Communities and Housing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

"Our priority is to provide safe, decent and sustainable homes for our tenants, both now and for future generations as well as continuing to increase the numbers of homes to meet the growing needs of the city's residents.

"We have had to move from the previous administration’s original decision in January 2023 because it has been assessed as no longer financially viable by the independent appraisal. We have a responsibility to carefully consider the evidence and ensure we make decisions that protect both our housing stock and the long-term sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account, and the options now on the table for consultation are realistic, practical and financially viable.

"The two potential options identified could deliver long-term benefits and assurance for residents, and it is vital that tenants, leaseholders and local communities help shape the next stage of the process.

"No final decision has been made. We want to hear directly from those affected before Cabinet considers any future recommendations. I would strongly encourage residents to take part in the consultation and make their views known."

Following the consultation period, feedback will be analysed. A further report will be brought back to Cabinet for consideration and full financial appraisal before any final decisions are taken.

Residents and leaseholders of the affected blocks will receive details about how they can take part in the consultation nearer the launch date.