Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from David Smith.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Michael Goodhart stated for the avoidance of doubt with regards to item 33 C): Current Development Proposals, 30 Applegate St Nicholas Centre, that he was involved in proposed Cathedral Square developments.

The Chair paid tribute to the wonderful contribution made over the years to the work of the Panel by the recently departed Dr McWhirr. It was stated that Dr McWhirr would be greatly missed by many organisations across the city not least by the Panel. A minute’s silence was observed in his memory.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2010 are attached and the Panel is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the Conservation Advisory Panel meeting held on 17 March 2010, be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

The Director, Planning and Economic Development submits a report on decisions made by Leicester City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

The Director, Planning and Economic Development submitted a report on the decisions made by Leicester City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

RESOLVED:

                        that the report be noted.

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

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

A)  ALL SAINTS BREWERY, HIGHCROSS STREET

Planning Application 20100391 & Conservation Area Consent 20100392

Alterations to wall & demolition

The Director said that this application was for the demolition of some of the buildings within the site.

Colour photographs of the site were circulated.

It was noted that the enclosure of the churchyard by a substantial building was part of the character of this area and that its replacement with a 2m high boundary wall would not preserve this feeling of enclosure there a more substantial wall should be retained.

It was also felt that the loss of these buildings would result in the loss of an important part of Leicester’s social and economic history. This site indicated how close industry and churches sat together in the fabric of the city.

The Panel recommended refusal of the application at least until the opinion of English Heritage was received.

B)  NEWARKE STREET/UPPER BROWN STREET, CROWN BUILDING

Planning Application 201000417

Change of use

The Director said that this application was for the conversion of the building to student accommodation.

The Panel generally supported this application. Some concerns were raised over the introduction of a rooflight on the south elevation and it was suggested that this building could be of potentially listable quality. It was requested that conditions be added that ensured the introduction of any vents, flues or external pipework was sensitively done and good quality windows were used.

The Panel recommended approval of this application, subject to sensitive external plumbing and good quality windows.

C)  30 APPLEGATE, ST NICHOLAS CENTRE

Listed Building Consent 20100329

Internal alterations

The Director said that this application was for internal alterations creating a larger more usable space.

The Panel had no concerns or comments relating to this application.

The Panel recommended approval of this application.

D)  9 CHURCH GATE, CHURCH GATE TAVERN

Planning Application 20100179

External alterations to ground floor façade

The Director said this application was for alterations to the ground floor of the building.

It was felt that the proposal spoilt the proportions of this prominent building. The Panel stated that a good restoration to enhance the building should be aimed for rather than extensive alteration. Retaining the proportions of the original windows, avoiding dropped openings and reinstating detail at signage level would achieve this.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments, but refusing this application in its current form.

E)  46 – 48 WEST STREET

Planning Application 20100282

Demolition, rear extension

The Director said that this application was for the demolition of a modern rear extension and redevelopment with a new three storey building.

The Panel welcomed the demolition of the existing 1970s extension and the proposed new windows. It was commented that the detailing and materials used should be of the highest quality. Uncertainty was expressed at the set back of the new build that appeared in the plans and clarification was sought about this.

The Panel recommended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To consider such other business as, in the opinion of the Chair, ought, by reason of special circumstances, to be considered urgently.

Members are asked to inform the Chair and Committee Services Officer in advance of the meeting if they have urgent business that they wish to be considered.

The Panel requested an update on the status of the Friars Mill site on Bath Lane, as this had been raised repeatedly over a several months. Frustration was voiced at the lack of progress and information about this site.

Officers stated that there had been problems identifying the owners of the site and a final plea was being drafted that would be sent to them shortly before formal notices were issued. It was explained that formal notices could require the owners to temporarily fix the roof, but for a relatively small extra cost it could be repaired permanently, and this letter was an attempt to convince the owners of the benefits of this. There so far been no indication from the owners of any intention to do anything with the site.

It was noted that the Panel would be informed of any developments as soon as possible.

The meeting closed at 6:25pm.