Agenda item

The Director, Planning and Economic Development submitted a report on current development proposals.

A) WELFORD ROAD, FORMER JEMSOX FACTORY
Planning Application 20120886
Change of use, new build

The building was on the Local List.

The application was for change of use of the hosiery factory building to create 173 student bedrooms in 34 cluster flats. The proposal involved a new five storey building to the rear and external alterations. A previous approval for the demolition of the building was approved in 2007(2084) for the redevelopment of the site with a twelve storey hotel.

The panel were broadly supportive of the scheme.  They were pleased to see the retention of the building and an interesting extension to the rear.  They were particularly pleased to see the incorporation of the chimney in the glazed communal area.  They accepted the demolition of the existing rear extensions as they were of limited architectural merit and not very visible from the public realm.  It was noted that there was some interesting sets on site and these should be retained within the scheme.  They also asked that details be conditioned including window details and general materials.

The Panel recommended APPROVAL of the application.

B) LEICESTER UNIVERSITY, ENGINEERING BUILDING
Listed Building Consent 20120952
Replacement of glazed roof and façade

The building was listed Grade II* and highly regarded as one of the finest post war buildings in the country.

The application was for the replacement of the glazed roof and façade of the workshop section of the building.

Clarification was sought of which roofs were to be replaced.  It was explained that it was all glazed roof structure and facade on the workshop area and the application did not include the tower.  The panel accepted that the existing roof structure had reached the end of its life.  They asked that it was ensured that the external appearance remained unchanged.

The Panel recommended APPROVAL of the application subject to the external appearance remaining unchanged.

C) TUDOR ROAD FIVEWAYS HOUSE
Listed Building Consent 20120868
Internal and external alterations

The building was listed Grade II.

The application was for internal and external alterations to the building. The building had been the subject of discussion for the Panel over a number of years.

It was explained to the panel that this scheme would basically result in facade retention.  They accepted that given the previous history on the site this was unavoidable.  They were pleased to see that the envelope of the building was being restored.  Concerns were expressed about the finished floor levels and how they would relate to the window openings.

The Panel recommended APPROVAL of the application.

D) GLENFIELD FARM
Planning Application 20120650
Redevelopment 30 houses

The buildings were on the Local List

The application was for the conversion of several of the existing farm buildings, demolition of others and new development to create 30 houses.

The panel commented on the lack of information supplied and quality of the plans.  They noted that it was difficult to assess the scheme as it was not clear what exactly was proposed.  Based on the submitted plans they did note that the design of the new build did not respect the character of the buildings on site, being too domestic.  They also commented that the layout appeared to have been dictated by getting the largest number of units onto the site rather than addressing the rural character of the site.  The asked that the conversion of the existing buildings should be done in a way which uses the existing structure and space, currently it appeared that standard housing plans had been superimposed on spaces.

The Panel recommended REFUSAL of the application.

E) 14 WOODLAND AVENUE
Planning Application 20120410
New 5 bedroom dwellinghouse

The building was within the Stoneygate Conservation Area

The application was for a new five bedroom dwellinghouse, a renewal of planning application 20072367.

The panel acknowledged that they had previously not objected to the proposal.  They accepted that the scale and massing addressed the character of the conservation area however they did request that the design of the property be looked at again as the detailing now felt a little dated.

The Panel recommended SEEKING AMENDMENTS to the application.

The panel raised no objections to the following applications:

F) SCOTT STREET, MILLGATE SCHOOL

Planning Application 20120897

Change of use, alterations

G) 30-32 HUMBERSTONE ROAD

Planning Application 20120215

Change of use of shop to restaurant and flats

H) 1A WESTLEIGH ROAD

Planning Application 20120991

Change of use

I) 12-14 WINDSOR AVENUE

Planning Application 20120821

Rear extension

J) 107 LONDON ROAD

Planning Application 20120573

Change of use to flats