Agenda and minutes

C. Laughton, R. Gill, S. Bird (DAC), C. Sawday, C. Jordan (LAHS)

None.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th March 2019 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) 580 GIPSY LANE

Planning Application 20190080

DEMOLITION OF EXISTING DWELLING; CONSTRUCTION OF TWO DETACHED DWELLINGS (2X 4BED) (CLASS C3); ASSOCIATED PARKING

The discussion started by noting the lack of viable arguments for the demolition of the dwelling on site, considered to be in fair condition and of some architectural merit. The pair of dwellinghouses as proposed was criticized for excessive height and poor overall design.  The uPVC windows were specifically noted as regrettable. The members also criticized the inadequate information submitted as part of the application, with meagre detail and vague specification of the actual finish and materiality of the proposed buildings and associated landscaping.

It was concluded that the new development would not preserve or enhance the Old Humberstone Conservation Area, while the loss of the historic dwelling on site would be detrimental to the area’s wider character. As such, the Panel unanimously objected to the development.

OBJECTIONS

B) ABBEY LANE AND ABBEY PARK ROAD, LAND AT CORNER OF

Planning Application 20182721

CONSTRUCTION OF  6 STOREY BUILDING COMPRISING 96 FLATS (45 X 1 BED, 51 X 2 BED) ANCILLARY USES AND FACILITIES (CLASS B1 OFFICE X 2, 60 AND 51SQM AND GYM CLASS D2, 82SQM) AND ASSOCIATED PARKING AND LANDSCAPING

The Panel focused on the potential impact of the new development on the Scheduled Monument of the Abbey / Cavendish House and Grade II* Listed Abbey Park, together with a range of Grade I Listed assets within. The members indicated that the quality and design of the development are not adequate in regards to its prominent corner location, adjacent to a wide variety of designated and scheduled built heritage. The grey aesthetic of the Abbey Lane unit was regarded as unresponsive of its surroundings, introducing a bland aesthetic to the detriment of the whole scheme.

The height of the proposed development was also criticized, labelled as excessive. A reduction by at least two storeys was concluded as being adequate to minimize the currently overbearing effect on the Abbey Park and the multiple designated heritage assets within.

Based on the multiple issues identified with the scheme, and its potentially detrimental impact on the setting the adjacent Scheduled Monument that would lead to the erosion of its significance, an objection was advanced.

OBJECTIONS

C) 12-14 HIGHFIELD STREET, LAND AT REAR OF

Planning Application 20190278

CONSTRUCTION OF TWO STOREY BUILDING TO PROVIDE 4 SELF-CONTAINED STUDENT FLATS (4 X STUDIOS) (CLASS C3)

The members began discussion with a brief identification of the nature of the site under consideration. They concluded that the site could be redeveloped only if not directly encroaching on the intimate environment of Victoria Avenue. Indeed, the additional of a dwelling within a current visual gap present on site was regarded as detrimental to the character of the locality, and thus the South Highfields Conservation Area. Overall, the current dwelling was considered as excessive in regards to the host plot.

In terms of design, the addition of pastiche elements, with special regards to the Victoria Avenue frontage bay  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.