Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Blackmore, Joan Garrity, Alan McWhirr and Peter Swallow.

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 19 November will be circulated before the meeting and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Panel held on 19 November be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

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) EVINGTON HALL, SPENCEFIELD LANE

Planning Application 20081914 and Listed Building Consent 20081915

Conversion of listed building to 5 apartments, 18 houses in grounds

The Director said this was a revised scheme for the conversion of the listed building and new housing on the current school grounds. It was noted that the Panel made observations on a previous conversion and housing scheme for this site in September.

The Panel reiterated their previous comments that fewer larger houses would create a better setting for the listed Hall. Generally they thought that the housing scheme lacked imagination and was an over development. They felt that the scale and design of the new houses did not reflect those of the surrounding area. They suggested the idea of a 'London Square style development' as an example of how to create a high quality living environment.

The Panel had no objections to the revised scheme for the conversion of the listed building, or the demolition of the modern extensions.

The Panel recommended refusal of outline planning permission and approval of listed building consent.

B) OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL, HIGHCROSS STREET

Planning Application 20081876

Internal alterations

The Director said that the application was for the conversion of the building to a restaurant involving internal alterations. It was noted that the Panel had made observations on the refurbishment of the building in 2005.

The Panel were also consulted at pre-application stage for a proposed flue for the new kitchens. They thought that running the flue internally above the exposed roof trusses was unacceptable. They suggested moving the kitchen to the other end of the building or perhaps venting through the front elevation of the roof instead.

The Panel recommended approval of the current application however agreed further information was needed on the pre application enquiry.

C) YMCA, EAST STREET

Listed Building Consent 20081759

Internal alterations

The Director said that the application was for internal alterations to the theatre.

The Panel made no objections to the internal alterations. They also supported the pre-application enquiry for the reinstatement of traditional shopfronts.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

D) 4 BELVOIR STREET

Listed Building Consent 20081904

Alterations to shopfront

The Director said that the application was for alterations to the shopfront.

The Panel had no objection to the new roller shutters but stated that they would like to keep the terrazzo entrance, which would be leveled as part of the scheme.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments to the entrance.

E) NEWARKE BRIDGE

Listed Building Consent 20081885

Traffic signs

The Director said that the application was for new traffic signs affixed to the bridge.

The Panel was concerned that this would set a precedent for further signage on the bridge, but had no formal objection to the current proposed signage.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

F) WESTCOTES HOUSE

Planning Application 20081794

Retention of temporary building

The Director said that the application was for the retention of the temporary building on the site. It was noted that the Panel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140.

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.

A Panel Member raised a question about the proposed Tesco site on Hinckley Road. The Building Conservation Officer commented that a number of local residents had complained about the site. Some cladding has already been removed from the building and he stressed that they would need to put a planning application in for any further alterations. 

A Member of the Panel raised concern that an enormous fish sign had been erected on a shop at the bottom of Newarke Street. The officers undertook to investigate this.

The Senior Building Conservation Officer reported that the owners of 142 London Road have agreed to reinstate the tiled shopfront but that there would be a delay of several months before the specialist contractor would be available to carry out the works.

Rowan Roenisch informed the Panel that this was her last meeting and invited everyone for drinks after the meeting. The Chair thanked Rowan for her contribution from her time as a Member of the Panel.

The meeting closed at 6:41pm.