Agenda and minutes

None.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th April 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-app

A case was discussed.

B) Highcross Street, Great Central Street and All Saints Open

Planning Application 20210523

Construction of 8 storey student accommodation to provide 53 flats providing 210 bed spaces (18 x studio, 18 x 5 bed, 17 x 6 bed) (Sui Generis) with communal ancillary space and roof terrace.

The discussion focused on the amendments to the already approved scheme. The change in layout, elevational design and massing were all noted and considered to have a cumulative impact on the relevant heritage assets.

The members criticised the simplification of the scheme throughout. The resultant blankness of the north elevation was considered as particularly harmful to views onto the Conservation Area. Some members noted that the increased bulk will further erode the prominence and setting of the Grade I Listed All Saints Church, with a detrimental impact on views (e.g. from the churchyard). The Panel concluded that the overall reduction of architectural definition / architectural features has resulted in a more monotonous and monolithic scheme, to the detriment of the quality and significance of the Conservation Area and the Grade I Listed Church.

Although supportive of more active use at ground floor level, the members agreed that the scheme as a whole is materially inferior to the previously approved development and objected to it.

OBJECTIONS

C) 33 Lancaster Place

Planning Application 20210469

External alterations to grade II listed building

The scale of the extension was not objected to, considered appropriate in its context. However, the Panel questioned the technical feasibility of the scheme, noting the returns of the walls and conflict with existing services (SVPs), as well as the structural issues presented by the scale of windows proposed relative to sections of masonry. Relocation of the windows proposed to the side elevations into the centre was recommended. Most, but not all, members agreed that the previous proposal to reinstate the existing window onto the new extension should be pursued. Improved joinery detailing to all glazing was recommended. Some concern was raised regarding the precedent of allowing a larger extension on a group of listed buildings that have similar designs and the immediate impact on the group from such a change in terms of loss of visual symmetry.  

OBJECTIONS

The following applications were reported for Members' information but no additional comments were made.

Further details on the cases below can be found by typing the reference number into: http://rcweb.leicester.gov.uk/planning/onlinequery/mainSearch.aspx

22 Victoria Avenue

Planning Application 20200691

Change of use of from storage (Class B8) to 2 x studio flats (Class C3)

2 Memory Lane

Planning Application 20210606

Retrospective application for construction of single storey extension at rear of restaurant (Class E) and take away (Sui Generis)

2 Memory Lane

Planning Application 20210607

Installation of two non-illuminated fascia signs; one information sign

42A St Albans Road

Planning Application 20210402

Installation of replacement windows to front and side of dwellinghouse; replacement wall to front (Class C3)

University Of Leicester, Percy Gee Building

Planning Application 20210091

Retrospective installation of an external biomass  ...  view the full minutes text for item 168.