Agenda and minutes

There were apologies from Tim Abbott, Kanti Chhapi, John Dean, Councillor Henry and Alan McWhirr.

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

Councillor Garrity declared a personal interest in the business on the agenda as she was Chair of the Development Control Committee. She agreed to make no prejudicial judgements on any of the items for consideration.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 February 2006 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

It was noted that the attendance for the previous meeting was incorrect, this was to be corrected for the final version of the minutes.

It was also felt that at the last meeting the Panel expressed concerns about the ‘applications for information’ relating to a large number of properties that were having uPVC windows installed to the rear of these properties. Concerns were made regarding the number of them and the principle of the uPVC windows. Concern was also expressed that the applicant was the Council’s Housing Department.

RESOLVED:

that, subject to the above amendments noted above, the minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 15 February 2006 be confirmed as a correct record.

Membership

The Committee Administrator reported that Nick Bennett, representing the Leicestershire and Rutland Gardens Trust would no longer be attending the Panel. He had given details of a replacement, Ms. D. E. Martin who it was proposed to attend future meetings.

It was also noted that Tim Abbott, representing the Royal Town Planning Institute would also no longer be attending Panel meetings. His replacement was proposed to be John Dean former Chief Planning Officer of Leicester City.

It was noted that Jackie Scott, Chartered Architect would also no longer be attending Panel meetings. She proposed that local architect Chris Sawday be her replacement.

Terms of Reference

The Panel’s Terms of Reference were circulated at the meeting.

Steve Bowyer commented that the Terms of Reference didn’t detail how the Panel’s comments were taken forward. He recommended that a set of working protocols were developed to address this.

John Burrows expressed concerns that the Panel didn’t get informed about where a planning application refusal had been appealed. Officers commented that they often didn’t know about appeals and commented that it wouldn’t help the work of the Panel if they were notified. If further support from the Panel was needed it was sought as had previously happened. Members of the Panel however felt that it would be interesting to know what was happening with regard to appeals.

Steve Bowyer also commented on the Terms of Reference. He commented that they indicated that the Panel advised the Development Control Committee, not officers as was currently the case. Officers commented that the Terms of Reference would need updating to reflect current delegation arrangements.

Concerns were expressed that the way the comments of the Panel were reported in the Development Control papers did not give sufficient detail of the discussions. Officers noted that the comments of the Panel were kept brief to put forward a consensus view which would carry more weight than differing views.

Councillor Garrity said that she welcomed the opportunity to attend the Panel and that it enhanced her knowledge of those applications before the Panel. She noted that Councillors needed update training every year and felt that there may be an opportunity for a CAP representative to address the training meeting.

RESOLVED:

that a meeting be held with the Chair, Councillor Garrity, Judith Carstairs and Steve Bowyer to agree a set of working protocols for the Panel and Development Control.

Letter from Councillor Kitterick

A letter was circulated from Councillor Patrick Kitterick at the previous meeting outlining the reasons why the Labour group didn’t attend Panel meetings.

The Panel felt that this letter should be responded to. Rowan Roenisch circulated a number of reasons why she felt that it was important to have Labour Councillors attending the Panel. Overall it was felt that Councillors could enhance their understanding of planning applications by attending the Panel and that it, in no way prejudiced them making decisions on these applications at Development Control meetings.

Rowan Roenisch agreed to draft a letter which the Chair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

The Service Director, Environment submits a report on decisions made by the Development Control Committee on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

The Service Director, Environment submitted a report on decisions made by the Leicester City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Conservation Advisory Panel.

Concerns were expressed with regard to the approval, under delegated powers, of 215 Evington Lane, despite there being objections by both Conservation Officers and the Panel. Officers commented that procedures in development control have been looked at in light of this decision. Members of the Panel proposed that their regret at the loss of this building be recorded.

RESOLVED:

(1) that the Panel expresses it regret at the loss of the building at 215 Evington Lane; and

(2)that the report be received and the decisions taken be noted.

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

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

Date of next meeting

It was agreed to move the date of the next meeting from 19 April to 26 April.

Churchgate Conservation Area

It was queried when the conservation area directory would be updated to include the new Churchgate Conservation Area.

The meeting close at 7.00pm.