Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Johnson, Peter Draper, Simon Britton, Catherine Laughton, Richard Gill and Malcolm Elliott.

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

No declarations of interest were made.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 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 15 September 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 decisions made by Leicester City Council on planning applications previously considered by the Panel.

No comments were made on the applications.

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

A) WHEATSHEAF WORKS, KNIGHTON FIELDS ROAD EAST

Planning application 20101551

Change of use, demolition and redevelopment

The building is Grade II listed.

The Director said the planning application was for the change of use of the building from general industry to residential use for 74 apartments and 91 houses with 168 car parking spaces.

It was noted the building was a landmark building in the area that underwent major renovations in the 1980s.

Understandably there was some concern at the loss of the north roof lights that sit within the main quadrangle as these perhaps more than any other feature tell the tale of the function of the building. However, the Panel were more concerned that the building had lain empty for many years and the proposal to bring it back into use outweighed the concerns for the rooflights. They would like to see some of it retained, perhaps just a central section to show what was there. Whilst supportive of the retention of the structure, they thought it might create more difficulties with the continued maintenance requirements exposure to the elements would put on it, and also thought it would provide a strange outlook for residents looking through the large glazed sections of their houses. They had some reservations regarding the composition of the dwellings especially the terrace with flat above and the lack of privacy due to the large glazed areas.

There was some concern regarding the design of the new houses which they thought did not make them desirable to own and might cause problems in attracting buyers. They asked why the need for a café, would it be successful?

The Panel were informed gas boilers would be installed in each property. They offered a note of caution regarding vents and flues which should not be sited on the principle elevations and would also like any surviving features that are worth preserving to remain within the building, for example, the clock on the tower.  There were also concerns over the increase in traffic in the area. A question was raised over ventilation for the underground car park. It was intended to use vent boxes which would be incorporated into the landscaping of the open area.

Overall the Panel supported the scheme.

B)  ABBEY MILLS, ABBEY PARK ROAD

Planning Application 20101403

Demolition and Redevelopment

The building is on the Local List.

The Director said the application was for the demolition of the existing building and redevelopment of the site with a new eight storey building for 92 self contained flats. It was noted the Panel had made observations on the conversion of the building a few years ago.

Originally the application was to convert the building but developers now wanted to demolish it. The building was not Nationally Listed at present but Locally Listed.

The Panel were opposed to the demolition of this building which many felt was worthy of national protection. They pointed out that the only reason they reluctantly supported the loss of the adjacent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

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.

There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 18.45pm.