Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from J. Garrity, P. Swallow, D Lyne, D. Trubshaw and Councillor Johnson.

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

Councillor Hunt declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest that he was part of the Friends of the Cathedral Society.

The minutes of the meeting held on 18 November 2009 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Conservation Advisory Panel meeting held on 18 November 2009, be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

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

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

A) PEACOCK LANE, CATHEDRAL SQUARE

Planning Application 20091719

Remodelling of Leicester Cathedral precinct

The Director introduced Michael Goodhart who presented an application for the remodelling of the Cathedral Square precinct.

The Panel discussed this application at length. Panel members agreed that mistakes were made with the 1980s scheme and that there was scope for improvements. However they felt very strongly that the remaining gravestones should remain on site. The gravestones represented generations of social history; the inscriptions and details on them created unique pieces of artwork. They were opposed to the loss of the boundary walls, railings and mature trees on site, which would sweep away what was at present an attractive and intimate place. They noted that historically this was never intended as a public square and there are more suitable open spaces within the centre that could be remodelled to create an events space, the market place being the best example. They were concerned that the intimate and distinctive walkways of St Martins Walk East and West would be lost in the proposals. Underlying archaeology and burials would also be compromised. Issues were also raised concerning the proposed materials and in particular the pink granite.

The Panel felt that the proposed scheme did not enhance or preserve the area, as it was destroying everything that is aesthetically and intrinsically pleasing.  ‘How can it possibly preserve or enhance the historic environment when everything of historical importance is being swept away?’

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

B) LILLIE HOUSE LONDON ROAD

Planning Application 20091723

Change of use, roof extension

The Director said that the application was for conversion of the upper floors to 44 student flats. The proposal involved a single storey roof extension.

The Panel generally accepted the principle of the rooftop extension although they raised concerns with the heavy oversailing roof of the extension that tended to draw the eye and was particularly detrimental to the setting of the adjacent listed Porte Cochere. They thought that this could be reduced in size or perhaps finished in a colour that would be lost in the skyline. They would also have preferred that it was set back further from the roof edge.

The Panel recommended that amendments be sought.

C) LEICESTER UNIVERSITY FIELDING JOHNSON BUILDING

Listed Building Consent 20091577

Internal alterations

The Director said that this proposal was for alterations to remove some of the internal walls to create a larger more efficient space.

The Panel raised no objections.

The Panel recommended approval of this application.

D) 61 GRANBY STREET

Advertisement Consent 20091624

The Director said that this application was for new internally illuminated signage to both the Granby Street and Belvoir Street elevations.

The Panel considered that the proposed internally illuminated signage was completely inappropriate and detrimental to the character of the conservation area and the listed building.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

E) 45/47 HORSEFAIR STREET & 20 HOTEL STREET

Planning Application 20091677 & 20091678

Awnings & air conditioning unit

The Director said that these applications  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

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

There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 7:10pm.