Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received by David Smith and Richard Gill.

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 13 August 2008 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

Martin Jones commented that he was present at the last meeting however was not listed on the attendance list.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 13 August be confirmed as a correct record subject to the above amendment.

The Heritage Regeneration Officer stated that a review of the local list of buildings was taking place. The first step was to review the criteria that was used to place buildings on the list. The cut off point of the list was the Victorian era. The era started in 1837 however the Panel were informed that there was still not a date known for when Leicestershire had been in the Victorian era.  

The factors that were important in considering buildings for the list included the architectural importance of the building and it’s economic importance. A Member of the Panel felt that historical importance of a building should be considered as well. The Heritage Regeneration Officer stated that there was more criteria that needed to be met for buildings to be on the list. A Member of the Panel commented that the Victorian era contained a mix of styles and it was important all styles involved in the era were considered

The Heritage Regeneration Officer stated that they hoped to identify all key local list buildings and encouraged Members of the Panel to write in with their views and ideas regarding the review.

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) CORAH FACTORY, VAUGHAN WAY

Planning Application 20081362

Redevelopment

The Director said that this was an outline application for the redevelopment of the site for mixed uses including commercial, residential, community and offices with new roads, car parking, public spaces and landscaping.

The Panel noted that the earliest part of the site dated from 1865 and had a very modern design for its time. They conceded that this area has become a very depressing part of the City and in general welcomed the redevelopment. The Panel were concerned that St Margaret’s Church would lose its significance because of the height of the new hotel behind it, especially when viewed along Sanvey Gate.  They thought there was scope to retain more of the original fabric rather than just the central 1865 building.  The Panel commented that they would have liked to have a site visit to make a proper appraisal of the site. It was noted that this was the St Margarets works and the Panel thought both St Margarets and Corah should come into the name of the site, rather than St. Johns.

A site visit was arranged for the Panel to take a closer look at the site.

B) 109-133 GRANBY STREET

Planning Application 20081428

Variation of condition

It was noted that consent was granted for demolition and redevelopment of this site last year. The Director said that application was for the removal of condition three of the approved Conservation Area Consent to allow immediate demolition of the existing buildings.

The Panel opposed the immediate demolition of the site, which they thought would set a bad precedent. The removal of the condition was essential to avoid unsightly gap sites in historic areas. The Panel commented that in the present economic climate no one was quite sure what was going to happen, there was a concern that the developers could go bankrupt and the buildings would be needlessly lost. The Panel requested that their objection to the loss of the existing buildings be noted which in their view could easily be incorporated into a redevelopment scheme.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

C) SPENCEFIELD LANE, LEICESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Planning Application 20081275 & Listed Building Consent 20081285

Change of use to apartments and new housing in grounds

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the Old Hall to six residential apartments. It involved internal and external alterations including the removal of the modern extensions and restoration of the external façade. The Panel were informed a planning application had also been submitted for new housing development within the grounds of the listed building.

The Panel were satisfied with the removal of the later additions to the main hall. They commented that the subdivision and internal alterations were thought to be too severe. The Panel were of the view that three very fine flats would be better than six and this would be better for the interior of the building.  It was noted that the setting of the Old  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

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.

The Senior Building Conservation Officer invited the Panel to provide any comments regarding the Evington Footpath Conservation Area Character Statement.

A Member of the Panel commented that the old Greens building on Belgrave Gate was in poor condition and the building should be protected. The Senior Building Conservation Officer commented that the building had been submitted three times for listing and the owner had been offered grant assistance for repairs and had been granted planning permission for conversion of the upper floors.

The Committee Services Officer commented that the date of the next meeting would be confirmed in a letter to Members.

The meeting closed at 6:39pm.