Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Simon Britton, Steven Heathcote, Richard Lawrence, Alan McWhirr and Peter Swallow.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 January are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

A Member of the Panel mentioned that his declaration of interest had not been recorded.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 23 January 2008 be confirmed as a correct record with the above amendment.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

The Service Director, Planning and Policy submits a report on decisions made by Leicester City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

The Service Director, Planning and Policy submitted a report on the decisions made by Leicester City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

RESOLVED:

that the report be noted.

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

A) BATH LANE, DONISTHORPES

Listed Building Consent 20080080 Planning Application 20072365

Change of use, new development

The Director said the application was for the conversion of the existing buildings and an additional new build to provide a 110-bedroom hotel, 280 residential apartments, offices and a restaurant. It was reported that consent for the conversion of the listed buildings to flats with extensions for a total of 153 units and the conversion of the pump house to a restaurant was granted in 2005.

The Panel thought that the proposed new build completely overpowered the historic buildings and that the design was outdated. They felt the element next to the cottages was thought to be particularly overpowering. It was agreed that the scale and position of new buildings against the old was awkward and that the proportion looked weak on the tower building.  The Panel also felt that the way the courtyard was placed was insensitive, as it would block the views of the riverside.

The Panel stated that they thought that the proposed internal treatment was better for the mill than the conversion into flats but they were opposed to the new doors to the waterside frontage. They stated they did not wish to lose the boiler house, which they considered to be part of the historic character.

The Panel agreed to have a site visit to the area and thought further information and discussion was needed.

B) 59-59½ HIGHCROSS STREET

Listed Building Consent 20080058 Planning Application 20080056

Change of use, extension

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the existing flats/restaurant use to a restaurant/café. The proposal involved both internal and external alterations. A previous application for the conversion was granted in 2004.

The Panel thought this was a good scheme. They stated that they would have preferred to see the whole ground floor rendered and that with the simplicity of the design façade facing Highcross Street it would have been useful to look at the different size of brick, and that they should be laid in a proper bond not just in a plain stretcher.  The Panel noted that Richard Murphy, an architect in Scotland used mirrored sections when joining old with new materials and a similar use might be appropriate here.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

C) YMCA, EAST STREET

Listed Building Consent 20080173 Planning Application 20080133

Internal and external alterations

The Director said that the application was for alterations to the ground floor windows and entrance doors on East Street and internal alterations.

The Panel raised no objections to this application.

D) 80 WHARF STREET

Planning Application 20072342

Mixed-use development

The Director said that the application was for a new building with 72 one and two bedroom apartments and four retail units with car parking for 15 cars.

This application was deferred until the next meeting as some of information on the application was incomplete.

E) 9 GOTHAM STREET

Planning Application 20072355

Replacement windows

The Director said that the application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

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 Services Officer in advance of the meeting if they have urgent business that they wish to be considered.

The Senior Building Conservation Officer stated that they were looking for support to get the building located at 99 – 103 Highcross Street, listed. She added that they were also looking to trace at how the site developed from 1791 to 1800. A member of the Panel reported that from a photo of the site from 1891, it was rumoured that the building had medieval cellars however this was not true. The members were encouraged to write letters of support to get the building listed.

The meeting closed at 6:35pm.