Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Malcolm Elliott, David Lyne, David Smith and David Trubshaw.

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

Councillor Johnson declared for the avoidance of doubt with regards to Current Development Proposals item D: Wellington Street, Holy Cross Priory that he worshipped at Holy Cross Priory and used to be treasurer at the Priory.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 April 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 21 April 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.

The Panel asked if the Humberstone Gate item from the previous meeting had been approved. It was explained that this was a pre-application and had not gone any further.

RESOLVED:

                        that the report be noted.

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

A) WESTERN ROAD, EQUITY SHOES

Planning Application 20100377 & 20100402

Redevelopment of site/Change of use

The Director said these applications were for redevelopment of the locally listed factory and surrounding area for student accommodation.

The Panel questioned the demand for further student accommodation and asked if a housing statement has been submitted with the application justifying the change of use.

The Panel was opposed to the demolition of the factory as per application 20100377 given its historic and architectural importance.

In application 20100402 they welcomed the retention of the factory but expressed concerns with regard to the replacement windows and also questioned whether the chimney was to be retained.

The extensions and new build element were felt to be acceptable in principle however the Panel was unhappy with the massing and detailing on both elements, particularly the new build element fronting the Old River Soar.  The architectural style was likened to Russian Communist apartment blocks.  There were also concerns over the open element at ground floor level in the new building; it was felt that this could result in crime and disorder issues.  The views across Bede Park were also a concern, the Panel noted that the new building would be too tall and dominant within these views.

Concerns were also raised over lack of car parking and it was mooted that residents parking scheme could be introduced in that area to prevent traffic congestion.

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

B)  77 – 79 MARKET PLACE

Planning Application 20100393 & Listed Building Consent 20100501

Internal & external works, alterations to shop fronts, ATM to Market Place

The Director said this was for the refurbishment of the shopfront and a new ATM machine.

The Panel had no objections to the principle of an ATM machine but would like to have seen it within the glazed shopfront rather than through the masonry.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments.

C)  16 HIGHFIELD STREET

Planning Application 20100358

Shopfront

The Director said this application was to replace the existing timber shopfront with an aluminium one.

The Panel noted the fine quality of the existing timber shopfront and considered that it should be retained and repaired.

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

D)  45 WELLINGTON STREET, HOLY CROSS PRIORY

Planning Application 20100578

Access ramp to church hall

The Director said this application was for a new access ramp to the old church hall fronting Wellington Street.

The Panel noted that this was the earliest part of the priory dating back to the early 19th century. They considered the current intervention to be crude and unsightly and that by extending what had already been done would not make it any better visually and it would be highly visible from the street scene. They felt a platform lift would be a much simpler and cleaner solution.

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

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E)  3 WELLINGTON  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

ADDITIONAL ITEM – 142 LONDON ROAD ENFORCEMENT SUCCESS

Reinstatement of Art Deco tiling

The Panel were very impressed with the new shopfront at 142 London Road and thanked all involved in the successful enforcement action.

OLD NATWEST BUILDING, ST MARTINS SQUARE & OLD HSBC BUILDING, GRANBY STREET

The Panel commented on the scruffy state of the two ex-bank buildings including tree encroachment and inquired what action could be taken. Officers advised that a letter to the owners could be sent in the first instance to request an external clean-up and 215 notice could be served eventually if the buildings became too unsightly.

The meeting closed at 6:25pm.