A full planning application has now been submitted to change the use of 1 to 3 Radford Street in Stone into an education and examination centre for young people with special educational needs and those educated at home.
The proposal relates to the former cocktail bar premises and follows earlier plans for the site that were covered by A Little Bit of Stone in September 2025.
At that stage, the operator was exploring whether the use could proceed under permitted development rules. Planning officers later advised that the proposed use did not fall within those rights, meaning a full planning application was required. That advice has now resulted in the application being formally submitted and validated by Stafford Borough Council.
What is being proposed
According to the application documents, the premises would be used as a small education and exam centre offering tuition, mentoring, and assessment support, with a particular focus on English and maths qualifications, including GCSEs and Functional Skills.
The centre would also operate as an examination venue for home educated students who often have to travel outside the area to sit exams.
The application is for a change of use from a former food and drink venue to a learning and non residential institution. No external alterations are proposed as part of the scheme, and any future signage would be dealt with through a separate application if required.
The site sits within Stone town centre and the Stone Conservation Area.
How the centre would operate
Submitted statements say teaching would take place on a one to one basis or in small groups, with a maximum of six students per room.
The documents state that no more than around ten people would be on site at any one time, including staff and students.
Proposed opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
Internal plans show a mix of teaching rooms, a reading area, reception, staff facilities, storage, and a secure exam store. Student access is shown via the rear of the building rather than directly from Radford Street.
Access and parking
A transport assessment submitted with the application says arrivals and departures would be managed from the rear access to reduce activity on the main street frontage.
The statement notes that the building does not have dedicated customer parking, which it describes as typical for a town centre location. Two off street spaces at the rear are identified for staff use, alongside the use of nearby public car parks.
The rear access route is also described as being quieter and more suitable for students who may find busy public environments challenging.
Background to the site
The planning statement says the unit has been vacant for around 18 to 24 months.
It also confirms that an earlier attempt to establish the use through a lawful development certificate was refused, leading to the current full application.
What happens next
Stafford Borough Council will assess the application as part of the normal planning process. Residents and businesses can view the submitted documents and comment during the consultation period.
A decision will be made after the council has considered planning policy, consultation responses, and technical assessments.
25/41421/FUL: Change of use from a drinking establishment/restaurant (Use Class E(b)) to an education and examination centre for Special Educational Needs (SEN) and home-schooled (F1) at 1-3 Radford Street, Stone, ST15 8DA
