Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from P. Draper, S. Pointer, C. Sawday and D. Trubshaw.

The Panel welcomed back Councillor Hunt as a Member of the Panel.

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 1 July 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 1 July 2009, be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

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

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

A)  69-77 WELLINGTON STREET, 50 NEW WALK

Planning Application 20091011 & Conservation Area Consent 20091009 & 1010

Demolition & redevelopment

The Director said that the applications were for the demolition of the existing nursery building which dated from the early 1950s and the redevelopment of the site with a new art gallery.

It was noted that the 1950s building received a civic award.

Notwithstanding the above there was no opposition to the loss of the 1950s building and the Panel were generally supportive of the use at the proposed location although it was noted that there were vacant listed buildings within the city centre that would make superb galleries.

The Panel considered that the new building was not of sufficient architectural quality for the proposed location which they deemed prominent. The Panel commented that the front elevation in particular with its blend of symmetry and asymmetry did not seem to work. The Panel expressed concerns regarding the encroachment over the long standing building line and in particular did not like the blank wall along the north western boundary which they commented would obscure the view of the Georgian building as you walked up the hill. The Panel were concerned that building forward of the building line established by a covenant in 1824 would set a precedent and that the open character of the walk could be compromised in the future. They stated that if the glazed front section was required because of the proposed use it should be a light structure and completely glazed. Concern was also expressed regarding the materials, particularly the dark rendered sections.

The Panel commented that the rectangle at the back was more successful than the front. They noted that if you took away the front of what would be the café the space was not divided very well. The Panel were of the view that the artist 'Mondrian' would have divided the space better. 

Overall the Panel welcomed the proposal for a new modern building but stated that the extremely sensitive location needed a building of real architectural merit and the Panel considered that the current design could be improved.

The Panel had no objections to the removal of the existing building but recommended seeking a better design for the new proposal.

B)  121 LOUGHBOROUGH ROAD

Planning Application/Conservation Area Consent 20090814

Demolition & redevelopment

The Director said that the application was for the demolition of the existing petrol filling station and redevelopment of the site with an extension to the adjacent nursing home. It was noted that the Panel made comments on pre- application enquires in January of this year and in 2008.

The Panel noted that they had seen various pre application schemes previously. They stated that the new design was a great improvement and in particular the proportion of the windows was much better. They had concerns regarding the blank wall on the north elevation but accepted the problems of overlooking.

The Panel recommended approval on this application.

C)  52 LONDON ROAD, LILLIE HOUSE

Planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The meeting closed at 6:16pm.