Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Allen, Malcolm Elliott, Joan Garrity, Martin Jones, Richard Lawrence, David Lyne and Chris Sawday.

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 meetings held on 17 September and 21 October 2008 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 17 September and 21 October 2008 be confirmed as a correct record subject to 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)  TUDOR ROAD FIVEWAYS HOUSE

Planning Application 20081747

Change of use to student accommodation

The Director said that the owners had now submitted a revised scheme for conversion to student accommodation. It was noted that the Panel discussed the conversion of the building to flats in previous years.

The Panel felt that the jump from 80 flats to 300 bedsits seemed astronomical and the added subdivision of the interior that this would create further detracted from the original character of the factory. The Panel members representing the universities noted that the current thinking with student accommodation is not to have cells of a corridor but rather cluster flats, which allowed for a community to form and reduced vandalism.  The increased potential for motor vehicle congestion was also noted.  Overall the Panel advised to go for cluster flats, which were easier to convert for housing, should they needed to be in the future.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

B)  LAND BETWEEN 54 - 58 HIGHCROSS STREET

Planning Application 20081714

Two storey alarm centre

The Director said that the application was for a new two-storey alarm-monitoring centre. It was noted that the site had been a gap site for many years that provided an access into the yard currently occupied by Abel Alarms.

The Panel welcomed the infilling of what they thought was an unsightly gap site. They were happy with the revised plans but stated that they would like to see the façade built from a good facing brick with proper bond and would prefer to see the shop front as a piece of public art if it cant be a retail unit.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments to this application.

C)  NEWMARKET STREET

Planning Application 20081032

Five houses

The Director said that the application was for five new dwellings. It was noted that the Panel made observations on a proposal for seven houses on this site last year (20071357).

The Panel were satisfied with the reduction in the number of houses. However they thought the turning space for cars was still too narrow and the design was of not sufficient quality for a conservation area.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application in its current form and recommended seeking amendments.

D)  ABINGDON ROAD

Planning Applications 20081686 &  20081677

Demolition of garages and erection of two houses

It was noted that the Panel made observations on a scheme for two town houses last year. The Director said that the application was a revised proposal for two houses but with amendments to the previous design and also for the demolition of the existing outbuildings.

The Panel had no objection to the demolition of the garages but felt that a better design should be sought for the new houses. The Panel commented that there was a good building on the left on which to draw inspiration from, and the applicant should consider a well designed modern building. The Panel stated that one single unit would be better on the site.  

The Panel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 133.

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.

Rowan Roenisch informed that Panel that the next meeting would be her last and Jon Goodall would be replacing her as the representative from the Victorian Society. She invited everyone to join her for a drink after the next meeting.

The meeting closed at 7:02pm.