Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Johnson, Chris Sawday, Peter Swallow, Simon Britton, David Smith, Jennifer Timothy.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 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 19 May 2010, be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

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.

A) NEWARKE STREET, OXFORD STREET

Planning Application 20100567

Change of use, demolition and redevelopment

The Director said the application was for change of use from education to residential to provide 220 bedrooms of student accommodation in 77 units. The proposal involved a new seven storey link between the Crown and Elfed Thomas buildings and five storey building fronting Oxford Street.

The Panel welcomed the retention of the buildings of Local interest. They felt that demolishing the building to the rear of the Newarke Street building was wasteful. They were not in favour of the new buildings. They thought the wedge shaped building was peculiar and took no reference to the adjacent historic building and that the new build within the site was heavy and overpowered the historic buildings. They agreed the principle of the new buildings but stated that they would like a more appropriate design.

The Panel recommended seeking amendments to this application.

B)  SANDIACRE STREET, GRAVEL STREET, MANSFIELD STREET

Planning Application 20100093

Redevelopment

The Director said the outline application was for the redevelopment of the area bounded by the above roads for a mixed use development comprising shops, hotel, flats with basement car parking. The proposal would involve the removal of buildings on the site and new buildings ranging up to 11 storeys in height.

The Panel rejected this proposal. They expressed the view that this was a major application in a conservation area and they could not comment on an outline application with so little detail.  In principle they stated that they would like the better buildings on the site to be retained and thought the height was excessive.

The Panel recommended refusal on this application.

C)  TUDOR ROAD FIVEWAYS HOUSE

Listed Building Consent 20100786

Internal alterations

It was noted that the Panel had made observations on the conversion of the building to flats as far back as 2002.  It was also noted that there had been a fire in the building last year which had caused water damage to the timber flooring and the building owners had wished to replace it.

The Panel were sceptical of the need to replace the flooring although some members thought that sodden boards would lead to further problems later on such as dry rot. They recommended caution and to make sure proper moisture tests were done. They stated that they would like the timber kept if possible but did not place a high value on the flooring as making a positive contribution to the character of the building.

The Panel recommended that more information should be obtained, but recommended refusing this application in its current form.

D)  7 HIGH STREET

Planning Application, Listed Building Consent 20100719

Access ramp

The Director said the application was for a new access ramp and steps to the main High Street entrance.

It was noted that a similar scheme had been approved several years ago. The Panel thought that the ramp was one of the best they had made comments on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

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 Democratic Services Officer in advance of the meeting if they have urgent business that they wish to be considered.

There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 6.51pm.