Agenda and minutes

C. Hossack (LHIS), C. Jordan (LHAS), D. Martin (LRGT)

None.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 15^th June 2022 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The Panel agreed the notes.

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

With sadness JW announced the stepping down of Cathy Laughton due to the partial loss of her eyesight. RG thanked Cathy for her many years of service, stating her contributions had always been insightful, quietly enthusiastic with the ability to ask questions which opened up various areas of discussion. We thank her warmly for all she has done and trust her health will continue to improve.

RG also offered special thoughts to the repose of the soul of the late HRM Queen Elizabeth II and wished the new King Charles III well as he navigates his new role. It is worth noting the new King has a well-known history of interest in built heritage.

55 Welford Road, St James House

Pre-app

A scheme was presented and the panel made comments. 

A) 150 St Nicholas Circle, 1-7 and 13 Bath Lane

Planning Application 20221210

Demolition of existing buildings, Construction of a 4, 7 and 9 storey building containing student accommodation (108 studios, 2 x 3 bed cluster flats and 11 x 4 bed cluster flats) (Sui Generis), ground floor retail unit (Class E) and 2 x 1 bed private rental apartments (Class C3), with associated communal, amenity and ancillary space.

The panel felt that, although this is a site that could accommodate a tall building, they had concerns regarding the potential impact on the surrounding heritage assets. They agreed that the former Brucciani’s Bakery building is an attractive structure that makes a positive contribution to the townscape in this area; however, they acknowledged that its heritage significance may not be enough to warrant retention.

The panel had concerns about several elements of the design, massing and composition of the proposed development. The proportions were critiqued, resulting in a building that was overly broad, “slab-like” and imposing, particularly when viewed entering the city from the west. In general, the proposal to set the taller elements away from the listed buildings on Talbot Street was considered beneficial to their setting; however, members were unhappy about the tower element on the corner. The drop in height to the existing buildings on the Bath Lane elevation was felt to be abrupt with no mediation, resulting in uncomfortable massing.  They would have liked to see the building “turn the corner” better with its principal elevation facing towards Castle Garden making the most of the attractive views the park has to offer future occupants. The panel felt, as proposed, this elevation appears incoherent and that the glazed stair tower is dated as a design motif. They considered it a missed opportunity that this elevation does not better enhance the setting of the Castle Conservation Area. 

The panel were concerned about the setting of nearby heritage assets, principally Jewry Wall, the Castle Conservation Area and sightlines towards St. Martin’s Cathedral. They felt that although the setting of Jewry Wall has already been somewhat severed, it is not a static experience, and the proposed development would draw the eye away in an unsatisfactory manner. It was felt that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 208.