Agenda and minutes
PDF 129 KBVenue: City Hall, 115 Charles Street, Leicester, LE1 1FZ
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: S. Bird (DAC), D. Fountain (DMU), Cllr S. Barton, M. Richardson (RTPI), J. Aspey (student)
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed. Minutes: None. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING The Minutes of the meeting held on 14th June 2023 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record. Minutes: The Panel agreed the notes. |
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CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS The Director of Planning, Development and Transportation submits a report on planning applications received for consideration by the Panel. Minutes: A) Land South of 155 Humberstone Drive Planning Application 20230942
Construction of 6 semi-detached dwellinghouses (6 x 3 bed) (Class C3); associated access, parking and landscaping. The Panel felt the design of the proposed dwellings was mediocre and did not reflect the specific context of the Conservation Area. Members had some concerns about the proposed height of the development and the sloping topography of the site. They questioned whether the buildings would be placed at the highest point within the site, compounding issues surrounding their scale and creating an overbearing impact on the surrounding built form. Particular concern was raised for the setting of the outbuilding at No 3 Main Street, which is listed as part of the historic curtilage of the main building. Members felt that due to the proximity of the units, views of this outbuilding from Main Street will be negatively affected by the tall, blank gable which abuts the boundary.
While the panel were comfortable with the principal of developing the site for housing, they felt the current proposal would not preserve or enhance the significance of the Old Humberstone Conservation Area. They also objected to the use of modern materials, such as uPVC windows, which are inappropriate in heritage settings such as this one.
SEEK AMENDMENTS
B) 36 & 38 Market Place, Odeon Arcade Planning Application 20230712
Demolition of most of Odeon Arcade; retention of facade to Market Place; construction of five storey (to Market Place) and six storey (to Cank Street) building (with basement) behind retained facade to Market Place to create: a gym for residents in the basement; 10 retail units (Class E) in the basement and on the ground floor; 53 flats (6 x studio, 30 x 1bed & 17 x 2bed) (Class C3) on the first, second, third, fourth & fifth floors, and a rooftop garden for residents adjacent to Cank Street
The Panel were generally supportive of the idea to redevelop the site for housing; however, they did have some concerns about the proposed design principally in respect to its scale and elevation treatment. Members felt the elevation fronting Cank Street was too high and should be brought down by a storey. They also felt it was unarresting and bulky, with missed opportunities to reactivate the ground floor level. They noted that this was a building with two “fronts” and Cank Street should not be treated as a “rear facade”. Some members felt the upwards extension to Market Place elevation was very visually abrupt, and in contrast to the retained façade. They suggested a slight set back could help introduce some visual breathing space. Other members were comfortable with this element, and felt it would not have a negative impact on Market Place.
In general, the Panel were supportive of the principal of development and façade retention; however, they agreed the current scheme would be too tall and lacked character in a historically sensitive location.
SEEK AMENDMENTS
C) 4 Knighton Park Road, The Scotlands Planning Application 20230745
Demolition of existing garage and outbuilding; ... view the full minutes text for item 236. |