Agenda and minutes

S. Bird (DAC), N. Finn (LAHS), D. Fountain (DMU), D. Martin (LRGT).

None.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th April 2024 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.

London Road, Leicester Railway Station, Midland Main Line

Planning and Listed Building Applications 20240594 & 20240595

The panel had a considered debate about the potential merits of the proposal. Some members expressed concern about the works to the porte cochere with some members welcoming its re-purposing while others expressed concern about the change of character and experience for station users. There was general concern about the potential visual impact of the rear elevations of new structures in the porte cochere on the external appearance of the structure, especially when viewed through the openings onto London Road. The need for rigorous control on the appearance of the ‘back’ of units was requested and the avoidance of any clutter in the void space between them and the historic outer wall.

The panel debated the appropriateness and design of the canopy, with a range of views expressed. Some panel members felt a more distinctive design would be appropriate while others felt it was superfluous and should be removed. The visitor experience was then discussed with concerns raised as many station users would no longer experience the porte cochere - the historic station entrance, as their entry point which was regrettable. However, some others argued there still were entrances through the structure and ancillary uses in it would support the viability of the complex as a whole. Some members expressed concern about the experience when being dropped-off or getting a cab, noting the lack of cover relative to being in the porte cochere. Some sort of bus shelter type facility at the taxi rank was suggested, while others argued the removal of taxis/cars and the associated pollution was beneficial to the heritage asset.

The panel were broadly comfortable with the principle of moving the historic gate piers but felt they should be relocated in a more prominent location to restore their historic function as gateway markers – closer to the new ramp. They re-iterated their previous point about marking the historic location of the piers in the new paving. Members also sought assurances that the existing heritage interpretation panels located within the porte cochere would be re-located as part of the scheme.

SEEK AMENDMENTS

B) 11 Cank Street (first, second and third floors) and 9-15 Cank Street (ground floor)

Planning Application 20240299

The panel noted that the street has a special character that is not typically reflected elsewhere in the city and that the potential new Council led link scheme into the street would increase focus on it. Although they welcomed investment in the buildings and considered the current appearance had some deficiencies, the design of the proposed new building was not high quality and one that adequately responded to its context. A primary concern raised was the loss of the tighter urban grain and historic building plots currently presented on site with and the introduction of a more monolithic block. The panel were positive about the proposed timber shopfronts at ground floor level but critical of the proposed use of UPVC windows and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 272.