The Planning and Development Control Committee of Leicester City Council was scheduled to consider two planning applications. The meeting's report pack detailed proposals for a change of use at 15 Oakside Crescent and alterations to a property at 19 Stoneygate Road.

Planning Application at 15 Oakside Crescent

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for a change of use at 15 Oakside Crescent from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a children's home (Class C2) for a maximum of four children. The applicant, Warren Property Investments Ltd, had submitted amended plans.

The report pack indicated that the application was brought before the committee due to 32 letters of objection from 25 neighbouring addresses. Key issues scheduled for discussion included the principle of the development, the character of the area, the impact on the living conditions of both future and neighbouring occupiers, and parking and highway safety.

The Social Care Team of Leicester City Council supported the proposal, noting a need for experienced providers of children's care homes in the city, even though the overall volume of bed spaces was met. They highlighted that the applicant, Jasmine Gardens Private Ltd, had a good rating from Ofsted and a history of taking placements from Leicester City. The Social Care Team recommended that the permission be restricted through a condition to Jasmine Gardens Private Ltd.

Concerns raised by objectors included the suitability of the property and location, the potential for increased noise and disturbance, and the possibility of anti-social behaviour. Objections also cited potential parking and traffic problems due to the site's limited parking and congestion on surrounding streets.

The report pack recommended conditional approval for the application. Conditions proposed included restricting the use to Class C2 only, limiting the number of children to four, and ensuring the use was carried on only by Jasmine Gardens Private Ltd. A condition was also recommended for the installation and maintenance of noise insulation to the party walls with the adjoining property at No. 13 Oakside Crescent.

Planning Application at 19 Stoneygate Road

The committee was also scheduled to consider a proposal at 19 Stoneygate Road for the conversion of a garage to a habitable room, along with alterations to the front of the house. The applicant was Mr Rahul Pau.

This application was brought to the committee because the applicant is related to an employee of the Council. The main issues scheduled for discussion were design, appearance, and the impact on the Stoneygate Conservation Area.

One representation was received from The Stoneygate Conservation Area Society, raising concerns about the design. The society noted that the proposed square window design had no relation to the property's existing windows and that new brickwork should match the existing.

The report pack indicated that the proposal was recommended for approval. The report stated that amendments had been made to the design of the proposed window, and an additional window had been added, making the amended scheme more in keeping with the character of the dwelling's existing windows. The report also noted that the widening of the side garden gate and alterations to planters were intended to allow easier access, potentially accommodating the needs of a person with a disability, aligning with Policy DQP03 of the Leicester Local Plan 2026.

Conditions recommended for this application included requiring details of brick type, mortar, and bonding to be submitted for approval, and for full joinery details of all windows and doors to be submitted before works commenced.