Agenda and minutes

 There were apologies from A. McWhirr and D. Smith. 

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Councillor Garrity declared a general interest as Chair of the Development Control Committee. She undertook to express no opinions on any of the matters being discussed on the agenda.

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 September are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 28 September 2005 be confirmed as a correct record.

Mr Burrows commented that consideration of the recent Welford Road, Tigers application was deferred by the Development Control Committee. He noted that the club had published pictures of their proposal but there were no plans left at the New Walk Centre for local residents to consider. It was therefore intended to undertake full publicity on the proposals and then the matter would be considered by the Committee.

A Panel member noted that concerns had been raised about two towers on the proposed building but the plans of the proposed development didn’t appear to show any towers. Cllr. Garrity commented that there were two eight storey towers included in the building and that the latest proposal took up more of the Granby Halls site than previous proposals.

The Service Director, Environment submits a report on decisions made by the Development Control Committee on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

The Service Director, Environment submitted a report on decisions made by the City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Conservation Advisory Panel.

Councillor Garrity noted that the Development Control Committee on the previous night had considered an application on Lincoln Street for a conversion of a house in to flats. This included a bin store in the front garden in a conservation area. She felt that some sort of policy was needed to ensure bins were covered by a storage facility. There could be three specified types to be used in conservation areas. She felt that bins on display in conservation areas made the areas look less attractive. Officers commented that a ‘Residential Design Guide’ was currently be written. The bin problem could be considered as part of this. Members of the Panel noted that there would still be problems with flush fronted properties leaving bins on the pavements.

The Service Director, Environment submits a report on planning applications received for consideration by the Panel.

A) CHARLES STREET, FORMER POLICE STATION

Planning Application 20051900 & Listed Building Consent 20051895

Change of use, extensions and redevelopment

The Director said that the application was for the change of use of the former Police station to offices and restaurant, extensions to the rooftop and rear and a new five to seven storey building to the rear for 40 flats and office accommodation.

The Panel accepted the principle of the proposal but made some observations on the proposed design:

·        The new build was too dominant in relation to the listed building and perhaps too much was being crammed into this space.

·        The link between the rear extension and the listed building should be more fragmented.

·        There might also be a solar gain problem as this elevation faces the sun for much of the day, but Panel members liked the way it acted as a back drop for the listed building.

·        The plant room on the rooftop was unsightly and should be less bulky

·        Breaks in the frontage of the office block should be introduced to allow views of the church. The fenestration within the main office block needed more imagination.

·        Some members did not like the materials and thought brick rather than red render should be used for the residential block.

·        The relationship between the office block and the residential element reads as a solid block and should be broken up in some way. One suggestion was a glazed link between the two buildings where the stairs are proposed.

·        It was also noted that on a previous scheme the glass stairwell on the St George Street side had a twin, which acted as a gateway into the courtyard and the Panel felt that this should be reintroduced.

·        The courtyard was considered to be uninviting.

B) THE NEWARKE, NEWARKE HOUSES MUSEUM

Planning Application 20051754

Proposed disabled persons lift

The Director said that the application was for a lift to provide access to the upper floors. The Panel had considered various locations for this proposal over the last couple of years. This current proposal was to provide disabled access to every room in the museum but it would require a new opening in part of the original 16^th century rear wall of Skeffington House.

Members of the Panel raised no objections.

C) 4 QUEEN STREET

Planning Application 20051710

Outline consent for new residential development

The Director said that the application was for the demolition of an existing warehouse and the erection of a new residential development of seventeen flats. A previous scheme for 21 flats was refused earlier in the year. The current application was seeking outline consent for siting and access matters only.

The Panel felt that the proposed development was acceptable in principle, subject to the replacement being a well-designed building and a maximum height no greater that the adjacent buildings.

D) REAR OF 195 NARBOROUGH ROAD

Planning Application 20051704

Demolition and redevelopment

The Director said that the application was for the demolition of garages to the rear of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chair, ought, by reason of special circumstances, to be considered urgently.

Members are asked to inform the Chair and Committee Administrator in advance of the meeting if they have urgent business that they wish to be considered.

Market Proposals

Mr Burrows commented that he hoped that good consultation would take place with market traders and the public with regard to the plan to replace the current market hall. He noted that should such a building be put forward today it would most likely be refused. He noted that traders had concerns about the forthcoming Shires development.

The meeting closed at 6.55pm.