Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Malcolm Elliott and Chris Sawday.

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

No declarations were made.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th June are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 18 June 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.

A Member of the Panel queried the outcome of College Hall, Knighton.  It was reported that College Hall, Knighton had been approved.  However there has been a strong objection from English Heritage, which could overturn the decision should the Secretary of State call in the application. 

The Panel queried the decision to approve 136 Mere Road. Officers responded that as the applicant was using timber frames to replace existing timber casements it would be difficult to refuse.

It was explained that Wellington Hotel, Granby Street had been approved with amended plans.  The Panel queried whether the unauthorised PVC windows would be removed under the consent. Officers reported that this enforcement issue would be dealt with separately.

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)    FIRE STATION, LANCASTER ROAD

Planning and Listed Building Consent applications 20081261 and 20081171

Internal and external alterations, demolition of extension

The Director said that the application was for alterations to the grade II listed building to allow it to continue as a fire station.  Inside the building one of the main features was the ceiling in the ballroom.  The intention was to remove the false ceiling and repair damage.  There was to be a number of meeting rooms created in the building, and accessibility improved.

The Panel welcomed the decision to retain the building within the Fire Service.  The changes were discussed and it was felt that the proposals will not detract from the original character of the building.  The Panel expressed their delight that the ballroom roof was to be opened up and restored and that the sprung ballroom floor would remain.  No objections were raised to the demolition of the later extension, as this was needed to make the station efficient for the 21 Century.  It was suggested that a photographic recording condition should be made and any replacement windows needed to match the existing design.

It was noted that the Wyvern on the roof was modelled by Morecombe.  The lattice work to the ballroom ceiling was also original and thought to be part of a heating system similar to that in Bishop Street Methodist Church.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

B)    8 BOWLING GREEN STREET

Listed Building Consent 20081015

Retention of unauthorised internal alterations

The Director said that building work had been carried out at the premises without listed building consent.  A number of walls had been removed and doorways blocked without consent.  It was not known if a small staircase beyond one of these doorways had been damaged, as it was contained within a residential flat.  It was noted that the enforcement liability would remain with the original owner who undertook the work.

The Panel unanimously agreed that the unauthorised works had damaged the building and supported enforcement action against the owner.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

C)    37-43 RUTLAND STREET

Planning Application 20080728

Proposed change of use of upper floors to a hotel

The Director said that the application was for the change of use of the upper floors of the building to a hotel involving internal alterations.

The Panel had no objections to the change of use as little survives of the internal layout but the staircase and trusses should be retained.  It was noted that this is a fabulous building that would benefit from a clean up. 

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

D)    VICTORIA HOUSE, 172 LONDON ROAD

Listed Building Consent 20081103

Proposed internal and external alterations

The Director said that the application was for the garage door to be replaced with timber and that the staircase could not be repaired.  It was thought that the staircase was Victorian and not the same age as the building.  It was noted that English Heritage had not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

The meeting closed at 7.15pm