Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed Martin Jones, Leicester and Rutland Society of Architects as a new Member of the Panel.

Apologies were received from Joan Garrity and the Council for the Preservation of Rural England.

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 21 May are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 21 May be confirmed as a correct record.

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.

LATE ITEM

COLLEGE HALL, KNIGHTON

Listed Building Consent 20080981, Planning Application 20080980

Change of use, extensions and new development in grounds

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the building to flats.

The Panel were pleased that Latimer House was being retained and had no objections to the conversion to flats. They noted that the scale of the buildings with their different heights was very important on the site and the roof extensions would ruin the whole ensemble. They accepted the need for the change of use and the addition of staircases, however commented that additional storeys would destroy the character of the site. The Panel also stated that the doubling in height of block D would be particularly damaging to the buildings character.

The Panel were informed that it was the demands of affordable housing that was creating the need for extra storeys and stated that there were plenty of sites in the City to provide affordable housing and it was a shame they had to put it in this location. The Panel suggested that more development could be added to the car park area perhaps with the loss of one large tree to create the extra affordable houses required.

In terms of the new build, the Panel thought that the proposed town houses were not very well designed and the block to replace the bike shed would obscure views into the site and should be omitted. The Panel stated that the new build next to Latimer house was considered acceptable

Overall the Panel though that the scheme was detrimental to the character of the buildings, the other listed buildings nearby and the conservation area. 

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

A) WALNUT STREET BRIDGE

Listed Building Consent 20080789

Repairs to bridge

The Director said that the application was for repairs to the bridge following damage caused by a traffic accident. The work involves the reinstatement of a section of the cast iron parapet. The Panel made observations on the replacement of another section of the parapet in 2006.

The Panel had no objections to the use of spheriodal graphite to repair the bridge as they commented that it was logical to use the best materials available. They asked if measures could be implemented to prevent further accidents.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

B) 53B JARROM STREET, ST ANDREWS CHURCH VICARAGE

Listed Building Consent 20080916, Planning Application 20080902

Change of use, alterations

The Director said that the application was for the change of use of the building from educational use back to residential. The proposal involved internal and external alterations.

The Panel opposed the French windows as they thought it would upset the integrity of that side of the building and commented that they would have liked to see the existing window retained. They had no objections to the other work but stated that the steps should be retained underneath the ramp.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments on this application.

C) 119-121  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

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.

A Member of the Panel queried what action had been taken regarding the condition of the Eastgates Coffee House at the corner of Churchgate/High Street. The Senior Building Conservation Officer commented that Building Control had served a repairs notice in 2007 and works were carried out, having consulted with Building Control they stated that they were not proposing to serve any further notices at this time but would continue to monitor the building.

In regards to the Green Television House, they had been offered grant assistance but had not taken it up. They were currently allowed to build an extension as they did have permission. 

The Senior Building Conservation Officer updated the Panel on the following enforcement successes:

1 Severn Street – The property had now been installed with timber windows but the door still hadn’t been changed.

38 Lincoln Street – The property had now been installed with timber windows but the door still hadn’t been changed.

46 Lincoln Street – The property had now been installed with timber windows to match the original design but the doors still hadn’t been changed.

48 Lincoln Street – The property had now had two curve units installed which matched the building next to the property and there had also been timber windows installed.

16 Lincoln Street - It was also mentioned that the Council were planning to take direct action on this property. This meant that the Council would employ a contractor to replace the windows to match the original design and submit an invoice to the owner for repayment of all costs.

142 London Road – It was looking likely that officers would have to carry out the intended work themselves at this venue with police support if needed and then send the bill to the owners of the property afterwards.

The meeting closed at 6:30pm.