Agenda and minutes

D. Martin (LRGT), R. Lawrence (Vice Chair), S. Bird (DAC), M. Taylor (IHBC), N. Feldmann, (LRSA), M. Richardson (RTPI), P. Ellis (VS)

None.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th April 2025 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.

 A. Pre-application at ISKCON, 31 Granby Street

Matt Harding of Goodrich Cutler Associates presented the proposal for ISKCON, the Grade II* Listed Building at 31 Granby St, and members welcomed this pre-application to the panel. The panel had positive views of the scheme with members supportive in particular of the café concept for the Town Hall Square part of the site. Questions were raised over how the development of the rear of the site would affect the building’s relationship with other buildings around the square, and whether this would become the new principal frontage of the building. The modern design of the café was generally viewed favourably, and it was agreed that there would be considerable benefits through the use of the space to provide natural surveillance over the square and deter antisocial behaviour.

Some minor concerns were considered by the panel, with the consensus that the detail will need more work. For the developments to the interior, this related to the sensitive incorporation of M&E, service equipment and ventilation, and the architectural detail of fitting the glass screens across the colonnade. For the café development, this concerned the canopy and movement of the gate piers to widen the Every Street entrance. 

B. Planning Application for landscaping at Market Place

Ref: 20250865

The panel welcomed this application for landscaping works to the Market Place, which is in a Conservation Area and within the setting of various listed buildings.

A discussion was held over the latest part of the redevelopment of the Market Place site. Panellists welcomed the opening up of the Market Place to create a public space encircled by historic buildings. The use of porphyry setts was considered a good choice, given its use elsewhere in the city centre; however, some questions were raised over its maintenance as it ages. Some questions were raised around how future phases of development had been considered in the landscaping works, e.g. services and M&E. Panel members agreed a more comprehensive lighting scheme would be an improvement, with design suggestions including the lighting up of plants and buildings. Details were also considered to be important such as the design of bollards, parking restrictions, pavement edges, level changes etc. Security bollards were requested to consider more creative designs if possible.

Seek amendments

C. The Rowans, College Street

Ref: 20250841 and 20250842

The application was welcomed by the panel members, who felt the proposed scheme was an improvement on the previous application and supported bringing the building back into use. The removal of insensitive additions to the site was supported; however, the loss of the chimney to the rear was seen as unfortunate and panel members encouraged the retention of the chimney and its incorporation into the new development.

Seek amendments

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The panel made no comment on the following applications: 

42 Avenue Road

Planning Application 20250337

Installation of 1.8m high wall and two 1.8m gates at front and side of house (Class C3)

24 Holmfield Road

Planning Application 20250475

Construction of single  ...  view the full minutes text for item 304.