Agenda and minutes

M. Holland (GG)

N. Feldman declared that the agent for item C is the former head of the LRSA who preceded him in the role, but that that he had no involvement with this scheme.

Before the discussion, Cllr Unsworth declared that he is the ward Councillor for item D; it was agreed with the Chair that he should not contribute towards the debate or decision.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd March 2017 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The Panel agreed the notes.

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

A) BATH LANE, FORMER MERLIN WORKS

Planning application 20162521

Construction of part 5 - 16-storey blocks

The panel were broadly comfortable with the scale and massing of the proposed development, but felt much of the detailing was repetitive and lacked distinction or local context. The scale and appearance of the two storey car park was raised as a cause for concern, while the lack of active frontage, such as a café, onto the waterfront was seen as a missed opportunity.

The main area of concern was with the scale of the northernmost block and associated car parking podium, feeling that it sat uncomfortably close to the listed buildings in the Friars’ Mill Complex leading to an overshadowing and overbearing impact to the detriment of their setting.

They felt that the harm could be mitigated most simply by removing the block adjacent to Friars Mill to allow more breathing space for the former mill complex and to allow greater permeability through to the river.

SEEK AMENDMENTS

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B) ALL SAINTS ROAD/ BATH LANE, JARVIS STREET AND RUDING STREET

Planning Applications 20170634

Construction of part 5 - 11-storey blocks

The panel regretted the loss of the housing, which had been part of the previously approved scheme on this site and was felt to be more respectful of the setting of the adjacent listed buildings in the Friars’ Mill complex.

The panel felt however, that the current proposal would not harm the setting of the adjacent listed buildings and was of an appropriate scale.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the landscaping immediately adjacent to the former generator house on Jarvis Street as it felt harsh and lacking in detailing or historic reference.

They also felt that the blocks, which are closest to the Friars’ Mill complex, should contain materials which contrast with the red brick of the mills to allow these elements to read as more distinct buildings.

SEEK AMENDMENTS

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C) 1 ABBEY GATE

Planning Application 20162301

Demolition, construction of 4-storey block

The Panel raised objections to the demolition of the existing building which they felt had historic and aesthetic interest, but acknowledged that this was partly undermined by the level of insensitive alterations to the façade.

The panel did feel however that the site would be capable to accommodating a taller structure should it be redeveloped, but that the proposal was austere and blocky and did not respond to local context and would undermine the setting of the various heritage assets nearby. 

OBJECTION

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D) HINCKLEY ROAD, THE DEPOT, WESTERN PARK

Planning Application 20170354 & 20170417

Change of use, internal alterations, single storey extension to rear

The panel supported the change of use of the properties to houses and the minor alterations to accommodate this.

They felt that the contemporary extension was of a suitable size and form but felt it would work better if it was made of a lighter material to contrast with the brickwork of the main building to allow it to better read as a modern  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.