Stoke-on-Trent City Council has granted permission for the Grade II* listed St John’s Church in Hanley to be repurposed as a place of worship and community center.
The church, which dates back to 1788, had not been used as a place of worship since the 1980s. Its most recent use was as an antiques center and cafe, which closed in 2020. Previous proposals for internal modifications requiring listed building consent were abandoned.
The Zamir Foundation, the organization behind the project, welcomed the council’s decision as a significant milestone for the local community. “This development represents a positive step towards enhancing community services and fostering inclusivity in Hanley,” said spokesperson Zabi Zamir.
Plans for the repurposed church include a museum, a multi-faith library, and a women-only gym. However, a council report noted that the Church of England still retains a legal interest in the building, meaning the Zamir Foundation will need to secure a deed of variation.
Public response to the plans was mixed, with 34 people expressing support and 28 objecting. Some comments were not published due to their inflammatory or discriminatory content, according to the planning officer’s report.
The former church was recently the center of violent clashes in Hanley, as two groups of protesters confronted each other on Town Road.
Mr. Zamir addressed online misinformation that had contributed to these tensions, including false claims about graves at St John’s Church being disturbed during renovation work last summer.
Council officers found no evidence to support these claims during a site visit.
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