Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Simon Britton, Malcolm Elliott, Joan Garrity, Richard Gill and Chris Sawday.

Richard Lawrence took the Chair.

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

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

No interests were declared.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 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 17 February 2010, be confirmed as a correct record.

The Director said that the Panel had enquired about the status of an Art Nouveau shop front on London Road at the last meeting. It was stated that the owners planned to reinstate it soon and the Panel were thanked for their contribution to making this happen.

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

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

The Director, Planning and Economic Development submitted a report on planning applications received for consideration by the Panel.

A)  24 CAREYS CLOSE

Planning Application 20100321, Conservation Area Consent 20200322

Demolition and redevelopment for student accommodation

Jeremy Crooks, Building Conservation Officer said this application was for the demolition of the existing factory, retention and refurbishment of the Italianate façade and the redevelopment of the site with a seven storey building for student accommodation.

There was some discussion regarding the archaeology including the use of sample core drilling and pile foundations. The Panel supported the retention of the existing façade however they felt that the proposed building  did not relate to it. This was particularly noticeable in terms of the floor levels, they suggested that any new build should make reference to the existing façade to prevent it looking “pasted on”. They also noted that the Applegate façade needed improvement to reflect the character of the road, refurbished grammar school and Wygston House.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments, but refusing this application in its current form.

B)  20 FROG ISLAND

Planning Application 20100251

Change of use

Jeremy said that this application was for the conversion of the building to 43 flats. The proposal involves some external alterations including replacement windows.

The Panel welcomed improvement in this area but expressed concern over the replacement windows proposed.  They noted that any replacement windows should be of suitable quality and not plastic.  There was a suggestion that the fire escape should be enclosed both in aesthetic terms but also to provide greater security and safety. The Panel asked if the existing signage or similar could be kept to retain a sense of place as this was a landmark on one of the gateways to the city.

The Panel recommended approval of this application, subject to good quality windows.

C)  BELGRAVE HOUSE

Listed Building Consent 20100197

Conversion of stables

Jeremy said that the application was for conversion of the stables into two houses in a vertical subdivision.  The Panel were supportive of a previous application and expressed a preference for a vertical subdivision to create a more symmetrical external appearance.

The Panel supported the new development and hoped that it would go ahead providing a catalyst for Belgrave House to be brought back into use. It was noted that the windows needed special attention and should be traditional single glazed.

The Panel recommended approval of this application.

D)  1 WEST WALK

Planning Application 20100232

Extension to rear of offices

Jeremy said this application was for the demolition of an existing flat roof extension to the rear and replacement with a new two storey extension.

The Panel were generally happy with the proposal and felt it matched well with the main building. They thought that maybe this was a lost opportunity to explore something more contemporary in this location.

The Panel recommended approval of this application.

E)   YMCA EAST STREET

Advertisement Consent 20100249,

Listed Building Consent 20100250

New signs

Jeremy said this application is for three  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

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

The Panel requested an update on the plans for the Friars Mill site on Bath Lane and asked when any proposals would come before the panel again.  The director said that this would be looked into.

The meeting closed at 6:29pm.