The Conservation Advisory Panel of Leicester Council met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss several development proposals. Key discussions included concerns over the design and impact of proposed developments at 31 Granby Street and the land east of Old Mill Lane, with particular attention paid to heritage assets and the urban landscape.

Development at 31 Granby Street

The panel reviewed the latest iteration of the scheme at 31 Granby Street, which included amendments to the M&E strategy, colonnade screen treatment, and rear development. Panel members expressed reservations about the principle of the development, questioning the necessity and scale of a proposed canopy and the widening of the rear entrance. Concerns were also raised about the design of the colonnade screen, with a preference for it to be offset from the arcade for reversibility, and criticism of its aesthetic quality. The impact of M&E panels on windows and the whereabouts of historic banking counter elements were also discussed. Externally, new railings at the Granby Street and Bishop Street corner were accepted, but the quality of workmanship was stressed, with a suggestion for a condition requiring a specialist blacksmith. The rear development remained contentious, with the canopy's height and roof form deemed oppressive. The use of timber cladding in the seating area was considered incongruous, and the widening of the rear entrance was seen as visually disruptive to the site's topography and pavement. Overall, the panel considered the rear development poorly conceived, lacking in justification, and that it would be harmful.

Land and Buildings on the East Side of Old Mill Lane

An amended scheme for the land and buildings on the east side of Old Mill Lane, formerly 81-95 Sanvey Gate, was discussed. While the panel found the revised height more acceptable, they reserved judgment on the detailed design. Discussions touched upon the building's role as a datum for future development, but the redevelopment of the site was generally viewed as acceptable in terms of its impact on heritage assets. Neil Finn, who had previously investigated the site, highlighted its archaeological interest. The panel made no objections to this application.

Trees outside City Rooms

The panel considered the trees located outside the City Rooms on the corner of Hotel Street and Market Place South. While acknowledging the importance of trees in the urban environment and the potential hazards of removing established trees, such as heave and flooding risks, they also noted the benefit of opening up views of the listed building. Concerns were raised about the potential risk posed by tree root systems to building foundations. A range of views were expressed, including the possibility of reducing the tree canopy and the seasonal nature of the views.

Pre-application for Development at Mayflower Primary School

A pre-application for the proposed demolition of the existing Mayflower Primary School and the erection of a new school block, along with associated landscaping, parking, and play areas, was presented. The application site is locally listed.

Other Applications

The panel made no comment on the following planning applications:

• 101-105 High Street, The High Cross (Planning application 20251076)
• 73 Granby Street, Ramada Jarvis (The Grand Hotel) (Planning application 20252050)
• 96a Clarendon Park Road (Planning application 20251977)
• 64 St Barnabas Road (Planning application 20251214)
• 50 Kate Street, Flats 1 and 2 (Planning application 20260111)
• 4 Birkdale Avenue (Planning application 20260119)
• 49 Highfield Street (Planning application 20260066)
• 19-21 Main Street, Evington (Planning application 20260150)
• 60 Clarendon Park Road (Planning application 20260117)
• 16 Ratcliffe Road (Planning application 20260216)
• 368 London Road, Gables Hotel (Planning permission 20260135)
• St Hugh's Parish Church, Sturdee Road (Planning permission 20260003)

The meeting concluded at 7:35 pm, with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 15 April 2026.