The owner of Campbell Road Lorry Park has accused Stoke-on-Trent City Council of moving the goalposts over a planning application, while council officers insist drainage, ecology and highways concerns remain unresolved.
This article is based on reporting from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a BBC funded initiative set up to strengthen reporting on local democratic issues. The Staffordshire Signal has taken part in the scheme since September 2026, which means we're able to draw on a selection of LDRS stories alongside our own.
What’s new: Haulage boss Danny Poole has criticised Stoke-on-Trent City Council over delays in deciding a retrospective planning application for Campbell Road Lorry Park.
Why it matters: The site provides parking and welfare facilities for HGV drivers, amid wider concerns about a shortage of suitable lorry parking.
Between the lines: Mr Poole suspects the council's district heat network plans may be influencing the application. The council denies this and says outstanding planning concerns are responsible for the delays.
What’s next: No decision date has been published, despite the application originally being due for determination in March 2026.
A haulage company boss has accused council planners of ‘moving the goal posts’ as he seeks permission for a lorry park.
Danny W Poole & Sons Limited is applying for retrospective planning permission for its existing Campbell Road Lorry Park in Stoke.
But despite the latest plans being submitted nearly a year ago, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has yet to make a decision.
Planning officers say there are still concerns over issues such as drainage and ecology that need to be resolved.
But company director Danny Poole believes the council is being overly obstructive with his application.
He believes this is because the council has plans to acquire the land for its district heat network – the authority says the DHN has not been a factor.
The application seeks retrospective permission for offices, storage and lorry wash buildings and café on the lorry park site, and also includes proposals for new landscaping.
Danny W Poole & Sons recently submitted additional information to address officer concerns over the ‘high risk of surface water flooding’ at the site.
This article has been provided by The Staffordshire Signal. Click below to find more local news.
More from News from The Staffordshire Signal
-
JCB Digger Poppy Badges Raise £12,500 for Royal British Legion Appeal
A commemorative JCB digger pin badge created by a retired Staffordshire firefighter has raised £12,500 for the Royal British Legion, with thousands sold to supporters around the world.
-
How to Save Money on Fuel & Repairs: Simple Ways to Make Your Car More Efficient
With petrol and diesel prices putting pressure on household budgets, a few changes to the way we drive and maintain our cars could help motorists spend less this winter.
-
Five Green Belt Homes in Cheddleton Approved Despite Planning Officers’ Objections
Standfirst: Staffordshire Moorlands councillors have backed plans for up to five homes off Cheadle Road in Cheddleton, despite concerns about the development’s impact on the countryside.
-
Stoke-on-Trent Council Faces £10.8m Overspend as Care Costs Reach £30,000 a Week
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is facing mounting financial pressures as rising children’s and adults’ social care costs push its projected overspend to £10.8 million, despite millions in exceptional government support.
-
NHS Winter Plan for Staffordshire Includes 45,000 Extra GP Appointments Amid Hospital Pressure
NHS leaders have outlined plans to ease winter pressures across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, including additional GP appointments, vaccination campaigns and measures to reduce A&E attendances, as councillors raise concerns about ambulance delays.
