Agenda and minutes

M. Richardson (RTPI), P. Ellis (VS), M. Davies (RICS), R. Gill (Chair), R. Lawrence (Vice Chair)

None.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12^th February 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-app for potential development at the former Black Boy Pub, 31-35 Albion Street, Leicester

Members of the panel welcomed the submission of a pre-app for the former Black Boy Public House. Representatives were pleased to see that the current proposed scheme maintained the character of the original elevations. There was also some discussion regarding the merits of mansard roofs within Leicester. However, the panel welcomed the mansard type design within the context of the development site, commenting that its massing and scale were proportionate to the original building. Some members also added that the design would be sufficiently set back to not cause harm to the parapet roof.

Members of the panel were also pleased to see that a replica of the original projecting sign would be included within the scheme. Some members were curious to see how close this would be to the original design and hoped that more information on this aspect would be included in a future application. It was also stated that members wished to see more information on internal alterations; however, the panel appreciated this was currently difficult given the poor state of the building.

Further input was offered by the panel, with comments suggesting that the rhythm of the windows within the proposed mansard roof could be reviewed in relation to the existing fenestration pattern. Notwithstanding this, members unanimously agreed that given the context of recent applications, this looked a very promising scheme and hoped to see it as a full application form soon.

No objections

B) Outline application for development site at land at junction of Vaughan Way and St Margarets Way

The panel discussed the outline application for the land at the junction of Vaughan Way and St Margarets Way. If viewed from Junior Street, the scale of the scheme was considered to be more in keeping with the surrounding area. However, members had serious concerns with the scheme more generally. Initial concerns were discussed by the panel, commenting that the massing from the principal elevation made the scheme look monolithic in a prominent view within the city, which could negatively impact the setting of several nearby heritage assets.

Panel members felt that further information was needed to assess the impact of the project on the grade II listed Richard Roberts Factory. Some members felt that the factory’s chimney should remain partially visible from this junction. The panel also discussed the proposed scheme in relation to St Margaret’s Church. Members felt the application did not fully consider the impact of the development on the setting and the proposal was not sympathetic, asserting that the relationship with the Grade I listed church was key.

Given the location of the site, members also discussed the scheme’s capability to ‘turn the corner’. Members felt that Leicester had architecture of significance that demonstrated the ability to ‘turn the corner’ better. However, the panel viewed the proposal as not accomplishing this task, instead offering limited design quality that conveyed a bland commercial use, rather than domestic.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 300.