Former Staffordshire shoe factory set to be transformed into apartments

The Marston Road building is believed to have been built in the 1870s for Thomas Mottram and is one of the last former shoe factories in town retaining a high proportion of its original window arrangement.

It is considered a non-designated heritage asset and was previously home to The Emerald Club. It is now set to be brought back into use however after members of Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans to change its use to create nine two-bedroom apartments.

Christopher Timothy, who spoke in support of the proposals at Wednesday’s meeting, December 18, said: “The application is proposing residential conversion of a former shoe factory of the 19th century. The proposed residential use can be introduced without significant extension or alteration, retaining its character.

“The building is currently vacant and the proposal will secure a long term viable use to ensure its long term viable preservation. The last use was a licensed club, dance studio and gym and the building can be brought back into that use without planning permission.

“In terms of highways, the proposed residential use would result in a reduction in demand for car parking (compared to the) current lawful use. It’s within easy walking distance of Stafford town centre and it is not necessary to rely on a car.”

Council leader Aidan Godfrey, who represents the Common ward, called in the application for consideration by the planning committee due to neighbour’s concerns about possible damage to their property during the conversion process. Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, he said: “The area was at the heart of the shoemaking industry in Stafford – as such it should be protected as it’s the heritage of the town.

“Many of the families who live here had family members working there for many years. I was quite pleased when I saw the application come through as the outside of the building will stay the same; it is important it will remain and keep the character of the area.

“There are concerns regarding the construction of the site, that there would be debris going over the property and damage to other properties. There would be a noise nuisance as well and they are very concerned about that.

“It’s making sure the conditions are robust, so while construction is taking place people’s lives aren’t being blighted by the conversion. I see in the report there will be a condition on timing of the construction and I would like to see it limited to 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.”

Committee members agreed to the construction work time limits put forward by Councillor Godfrey and voted to approve the application. But Councillor Scott Spencer raised concerns about parking provision in the area, as well as if there would be sufficient space for delivery and moving vehicles when people came to live in the apartments.

Fellow committee member Andy McNaughton said however: “People who buy or rent properties in town sometimes get that property because they don’t have a car. We shouldn’t assume everyone who wants to live there will have a car.

“Other people who live round there seem to manage to park somewhere. The only other option is we don’t pass it and the building becomes more and more derelict.”

Councillor Frances Beatty said: “It is a very important part of Stafford – the last part of the shoe industry as the buildings are either the factories or houses the workers used to live in. It is extremely important the building should stay unaltered on its façade and we should not lose the historic character.

“Secondly, we are short of two-bedroom apartments; they meet housing needs in Stafford that are not met. Because it’s in town, it has a lot of advantages for people who can’t afford to have a car to have a home of their own.”