Hope for The Leopard in Burslem

Hope is on the horizon for a 300 year old building in Stoke on Trent.

Plans to breathe new life into one of the city’s oldest public houses have reached an important milestone.

The Leopard, in Burslem, is a grade II listed building which dates back to 1765, and

Now a ‘Listed Building application’ has been submitted for the site, marking an important step forward in the building’s restoration.

The much-loved building was severely damaged by fire in January 2022 following two years of closure during the pandemic.

Since then, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been in regular contact with the owner and conversations have taken place around potential future uses.

The Listed Building application will focus on the special heritage aspects of the building, such as windows, doors and roof. It will now be considered through the council’s usual planning processes, and the authority will consult Historic England before making any decisions.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “We remain committed to protecting this major heritage site and are keen to see it brought back into use to the benefit of local residents

The city council will continue to work with the owner, and Historic England, to bring forward a more detailed planning application. This building is of significant historic importance to the local community, and once hosted a meeting between Josiah Wedgwood and James Brindley