Agenda and minutes

There were apologies from Tim Abbott and Councillor Garrity.

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

Simon Britton declared an interest in Development Proposals C, N, O and P and took no part in discussion around these.

Kanti Chhapi declared an interest in Development Proposal K and took no part in the discussion around this proposal.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2005 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

Steve Bowyer pointed out that under Development Proposal B of the previous set of minutes, the Committee registered concerns around the proposals for the Clock Tower as part of the scheme.

RESOLVED:

                        That the minutes of the meeting of the panel held on 11 January                       2006 be confirmed as a correct record, subject to the                                                 amendments as noted above.

Steve Bowyer enquired what action had been taken around application 20052070, St Saviours Road, that came to the November 2005 meeting of CAP, and whether the application was considered by the Development Control Committee.  It was reported that this application was delegated to officers.  Several Members of the Panel felt that all objections of the Panel were passed to Development Control.  Officers confirmed that this was the case, but only when the objections were seconded by a conservation officer.  Some Members felt strongly that this should not be the appropriate process and that if views of unhappiness around an application were expressed, then the application should be considered by the Development Control Committee.

It was requested that Members be given a copy of the Panel’s Constitution to see what the position on this issue was.

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 Development Control Committee on planning applications previously considered by the Conservation Advisory Committee.

RESOLVED:

                        That the report be received an the decisions taken, be noted.

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

A)     44 HUMBERSTONE GATE

Planning Application 20052410

Change of use and external alterations

This item was withdrawn from discussion.

B)  31 KNIGHTON DRIVE

Planning Application 20052409

Three-storey extension

The Director noted that this application was for a three-storey extension to the rear. The Panel made observations on the conversion of the nursing home to flats involving an extension to the rear in October 2004. That application was subsequently refused.

The Panel considered that the current proposal was even more inappropriate than the previous scheme. They considered that the extension was too large and would represent overdevelopment of the site. A very blunt and bland extension that lacks any roofline articulation and would result in a solid mass of building.

If an extension was allowed it should be subservient to the main building in mass, scale and form.

C) 50/52 KNIGHTON DRIVE, 7 ELMS ROAD

Planning Application 20060079

Change of use

The Director noted that the application was for the change of use of the student halls of residence to 21 flats.

The proposal involves external alterations and the formation of a car park.

The Panel thought that the proposed number of flats was excessive, and that larger units should be encouraged in this area. They were also concerned over the loss of the green space to car parking and suggested that the parking area be relocated to the far end of the garden. Fewer flats would also reduce the need for the number of rooflights and the number of parking spaces required.

D)  13-21 ST NICHOLAS PLACE

Planning Application 20052263

Change of use & extension

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the building to flats. The proposal involves a roof top extension and external alterations.

The Panel objected in principle to any roof extension on this building, which would detract from the architectural lines of the existing building, and the group of buildings on this corner. They also considered that the proposed window design was inappropriate.

E)  THE NEWARKE BRIDGE

Listed Building Consent 20060121

Works to bridge

The Director noted that the application was for works to the bridge to improve the drainage system, repairs and waterproofing.

The Panel felt that the repair of the original drainage system should be further explored.

F)  SOUTHFIELDS DRIVE, SOUTHFIELDS LIBRARY

Planning Application 20060028

Telecommunications equipment

The Director said that the application was for pole antenna and equipment cabinet on the grass verge outside the Library.

The Panel considered that the proposal would be detrimental to the setting of the listed library and recommended that the equipment be located on a verge away from the listed building

G)  166 MERE ROAD

Planning Application 20051636

Replacement windows to front

The Director noted that the application was for the replacement of the front windows with uPVC frames.

The Panel opposed the use of PVC windows in principle and in this case there would be a clear detriment to the appearance of the building.

H)          11 – 13 MARKET STREET

Advertisement Consent 20052049  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

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.

John Burrows whether he could bring an observer to the next meeting of the Panel.  No concern around this was expressed.