Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

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 17^th September 2008 will be circulated prior to the meeting.

The Committee Services Officer informed the Panel that the minutes of the last meeting were not yet complete and it was agreed that they would be deferred until the next meeting for approval.

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) FIRE STATION, LANCASTER ROAD

Planning Application 20081625 & Listed Building Consent 20081623

Internal & external alterations

It was noted that the Panel made observations on alterations to the building in August. The Director said that the application was a revised scheme for the proposed alterations.

The Panel supported the revised canopy and the replacement windows provided that they were exact replicas. 

The Panel recommended conditional approval on this application.

B) 1 WEST WALK

Planning Application 20081471

Extension & new offices

The Director said that the application was for a two storey extension to the rear of the office building and a new three storey office building in the adjacent 'garden' space.

The Panel thought that the new build looked quite interesting and showed some imagination but commented that the first floor balcony looked as though it was in front of the building line. The Panel also thought the building would be a bit overpowering from some angles and would obscure the view down West Walk.  They requested that the building be set back and more glazing added to reduce the bulk. 

The Panel were less keen on the rear extension which they felt should complement the design of the new build better. They were satisfied with the proposed height but commented that the elevation facing Princess Road East needed to be improved. They requested that the extension be altered to form part of the new build in an L shape instead and that the rear elevation of the existing building be restored.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments to this application.

C) 136 WESTCOTES DRIVE

Planning Application 20081464

Change of use to 15 flats

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the nursing home to 15 self-contained flats. The proposal involved a new extension to the rear replacing the existing flat roof extension and external alterations to the existing 1960s extension.

The Panel thought that this was a particularly attractive site and Westcotes Drive was very distinctive. The Panel opposed the extra extension to the rear and the reworking of the existing extension. They felt that the 1960s part did not detract from the main building but only the windows did. They also stated that the new proposals created an over-intensive development on the site that would not enhance the conservation area. The Panel opposed the loss of the rear garden space for the new extension however they did support the change of use to flats.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

D) UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

Planning Application 20081427

Extensions to student union

The Director said that the application was for extensions to the Percy Gee Building.

The Panel thought that the new extensions would completely alter the appearance of the building, but agreed that it needed improving. Some members thought the end result would be more interesting than the drawings suggested.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

E) 20 – 22 GRANBY STREET

Planning Application 20081447, 20081404, 20081642

Signage, new shop front, change of use of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 126.

The meeting closed at 6:45pm.