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Stoke-on-Trent Council Gains Control Over Key Development

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. -council-gains-control-over-key-development.html
  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 7:57 GMT by TheSentinel
      Locales: England, UNITED KINGDOM

Stoke-on-Trent, February 5th, 2026 - Stoke-on-Trent City Council has taken a significant step towards controlling the future development of a key industrial site in Fenton, entering into an exclusivity agreement with national housebuilder Persimmon Homes. The agreement, finalized earlier this week, grants the council the initial right to purchase the land situated off Rigger Road - a previously derelict factory site - and, crucially, a collaborative role in shaping the housing scheme that will ultimately be built there.

This isn't simply a land deal; it represents a deliberate shift in the council's approach to urban regeneration. For years, local authorities have often found themselves reacting after developers have secured land and submitted proposals. This frequently leads to compromises and developments that don't fully align with community needs or strategic city planning. The council, however, is aiming to bypass this reactive model, opting instead for proactive influence from the very outset.

The Rigger Road site has been a longstanding concern for residents and local representatives. An "eyesore" as described by Fenton ward councillor Nora Moss, its dilapidated state has negatively impacted the local environment for years. The agreement with Persimmon Homes offers the potential to not only eliminate this blight but to replace it with a modern, well-planned housing development.

Councillor Simcock, cabinet member for housing, green spaces and leisure, highlighted the core principle driving this decision. "This exclusivity agreement means we can be involved in the planning process from the very start," he explained. "We can influence the type of housing, the design, and the quality of the development. It's a much better way of doing things than just letting the land go on the open market."

While the exact number of homes remains to be determined - the initial reports suggest "hundreds" - the council's intention is to ensure the development caters to a diverse range of housing needs within Stoke-on-Trent. This is particularly pertinent given the ongoing national housing crisis and the increasing demand for affordable and sustainable housing options. Sources within the council suggest discussions are already underway regarding the potential inclusion of social housing, shared ownership schemes, and energy-efficient building designs.

The benefits of this proactive approach extend beyond simply ensuring the right type of housing is built. The council aims to leverage the development to bolster local infrastructure. This could include improvements to roads, public transport links, and local amenities - schools, healthcare facilities, and green spaces - to accommodate the influx of new residents.

Furthermore, the agreement allows for negotiation regarding community benefits. This could encompass financial contributions from the developer towards local projects, the creation of local employment opportunities during the construction phase, and the incorporation of community spaces within the new development itself. The council hopes to establish a framework for ongoing engagement with residents throughout the planning and construction process, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

The move has been widely applauded by local representatives. Councillor Moss, a long-time advocate for the regeneration of Fenton, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "This is good news for Fenton. It's a derelict site, and it's been an eyesore for years. I'm pleased the council is taking a proactive approach and working with the developer to ensure the development is beneficial for the community."

The council's spokesman emphasized that this agreement serves as a template for future development projects across Stoke-on-Trent. They believe that by establishing a collaborative relationship with developers early on, they can secure the best possible outcomes for the city and its residents, avoiding the "unwanted outcomes" that can occur when development is left solely to market forces. This strategic approach signals a renewed commitment to shaping a sustainable and thriving future for Stoke-on-Trent.