The Planning and Development Control Committee of Leicester City Council met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to consider a range of planning applications. The committee approved all six applications before them, which included proposals for a care home, a new garage, the conversion of office space to flats, an extension to student accommodation, listed building consent for that extension, and a householder extension.

7 Park Hill Drive

The committee granted conditional approval for a change of use application at 7 Park Hill Drive from a dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a residential care home for four adults (Class C2). The application, brought to the committee due to more than six objections and the applicant's relation to an elected member, was approved despite concerns raised about the character of the area, parking, and neighbour amenity. Officers noted that the proposed use was materially different from a nearby sui generis HMO at 9 Grace Road, and that while there is a need for family housing, there is also a documented need for C2 accommodation. Conditions were attached to ensure the property is used solely as a care home and to limit the number of residents to four.

14 Laithwaite Close

Permission was granted with conditions for the demolition of an existing garage and the construction of a new single-storey garage at 14 Laithwaite Close. This application was also brought to the committee due to multiple objections. The primary concerns from objectors related to the potential use of the garage for mechanical purposes, parking issues, and the construction method. A condition was imposed to ensure the garage is used only incidentally to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse, preventing its use for commercial purposes. The previous refusal of a similar application was noted, but the current proposal was deemed acceptable due to reduced size and repositioning.

123 and 123a Belgrave Gate

The committee approved, with conditions, a change of use application for 123 and 123a Belgrave Gate to convert the first, second, and roof space from offices to five flats (two 2-bed and three 1-bed). The proposal also included the construction of first and second-floor extensions at the rear, a rear dormer, and rooflights. This application was presented to the committee because the applicant is related to an elected member. No neighbour representations were received. The approval was subject to conditions regarding the reinstatement of original shopfront features, external materials, noise mitigation, overheating, air quality, cycle parking, and refuse storage. The development was considered acceptable in terms of its principle, design, impact on the local heritage asset (the building is locally listed), and living conditions for future residents.

15 Henshaw Street (Chevron Court) - Full Application

A full planning application for the construction of a three-storey extension to the existing two-storey part of 15 Henshaw Street, Chevron Court, to provide 32 additional student accommodation units, was approved with conditions and a Section 106 agreement. This application was called to committee due to an objection from the Conservation Advisory Panel, with the primary concern being the impact of the extension on the Grade II listed building. The proposal also included significant internal and external alterations. The Section 106 agreement will secure contributions for local GP surgeries (£12,800) and open space improvements (£20,405). Conditions were imposed to ensure the retention of the iron frame structure, detailed design of external materials, noise and ventilation mitigation, provision of communal space, waste management, cycle parking, and adherence to the travel plan.

15 Henshaw Street (Chevron Court) - Listed Building Consent

Listed building consent was granted, subject to conditions, for associated works to the Grade II listed building at 15 Henshaw Street, Chevron Court. This application was directly linked to the full planning application for the extension and was also presented to the committee due to the Conservation Advisory Panel's objection. The main concern was the impact of the proposed works on the heritage asset. The decision acknowledged that while there would be less than substantial harm to the significance of the listed building, this was outweighed by the public benefits of providing much-needed student accommodation and intensifying the use of an underutilised site. A key condition requires the retention of the existing iron frame structure.

58 Sedgebrook Road

The committee granted conditional approval for a householder application at 58 Sedgebrook Road for the installation of rooflights, alterations, and the construction of a single-storey rear extension. This application was brought to the committee as the applicant is related to an employee of Leicester City Council. No representations were received from neighbours. The main considerations were design, neighbouring residential amenity, the amenity of the occupiers, flooding, and trees. The proposed extension was deemed proportionate and would match the existing dwelling's materials. Conditions were attached to ensure the development adheres to the submitted Flood Risk Assessment and incorporates flood resistance and resilience measures. The removal of a tree was permitted as it was not protected and the Trees and Woodlands Officer raised no objections.