Hanley in decline as old wedding shop 'neglected' and 'base for rough sleepers'

Plans have been lodged to turn Formal Affair into a takeaway

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Kerry Ashdown Local Democracy Reporter

06:00, 16 Aug 2026

[The former retail unit on Percy Street, Hanley, could be turned into a hot food takeaway]

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The former retail unit on Percy Street, Hanley, could be turned into a hot food takeaway(Image: Google Street View)

A former city centre shop could be converted into a new takeaway if plans are given the green light. Challinor Property Limited is seeking permission to change the use of the vacant unit in Percy Street, Hanley.

Previously the shop was part of wedding store chain Formal Affair. Later it became a nail bar.

A design and access and heritage statement submitted as part of the change of use application to Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "Potential tenants want to change the use of the property to form a hot food takeaway. The application site comprises a four-storey city centre retail unit with basement.

"A previous application has been sought to convert the top three storeys into residential accommodation. This application relates to the ground floor and basement levels fronting Percy Street.

"The property is currently vacant and it appears to be showing signs of neglect, resulting in blight on the street scene as well as a base for rough sleepers. The new frontage will replace a dated, unsecure frontage with one that matches nearby businesses."

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