The Conservation Advisory Panel of Leicester Council was scheduled to discuss several development proposals, with a particular focus on applications at 31 Granby Street and land on the east side of Old Mill Lane. The panel was also set to consider the impact of tree removal on the corner of Hotel Street and Market Place South.

Development at 31 Granby Street

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to the development at 31 Granby Street, which involves planning applications 20251355 and 20251366. The report pack indicated that the latest iteration of the scheme included amendments to the mechanical and electrical strategy, the design of a colonnade screen, and changes to the rear development facing Town Hall Square.

Concerns were expected to be raised regarding the principle of the development, the purpose of a proposed canopy, and the necessity of widening the existing rear entrance. The panel was also to consider the treatment of the colonnade, with a suggestion that a glazed screen should be offset from the arcade to ensure it was reversible. The design of this screen was noted as a point of concern, with potential negative impacts on the arcade's appearance due to the arrangement of glazing bars. Internal elements, such as mechanical and electrical panels affecting windows, and the whereabouts of historic banking counter elements, were also scheduled for discussion.

For the exterior, the addition of new railings to the entrance corner on Granby Street and Bishop Street was to be reviewed, with an emphasis on the quality of workmanship. A recommendation was expected to be made for a condition requiring new railings to be provided by a specialist blacksmith. The rear development remained a contentious issue, with questions anticipated regarding the use of the vehicle loading bay as a datum for the canopy's height. The canopy's design was expected to be criticised for its imposing height, oppressive roof form, and details such as rainwater goods. The use of timber cladding within the seating area was also flagged as a potentially incongruous choice. Furthermore, the widening of the rear entrance was expected to be discussed in relation to its visual impact on the site's topography and pavement. Overall, the report pack suggested that the rear development was viewed as poorly conceived, lacking in justification, and that it would be harmful.

Land and Buildings on the East Side of Old Mill Lane

The panel was also scheduled to consider an amended scheme for the Land and Buildings on the East Side of Old Mill Lane, formerly 81-95 Sanvey Gate, under planning application 20242258. The report indicated that the amended scheme was considered more acceptable in terms of its height, though judgment on its detailed design was to be reserved. Discussions were expected to cover the building's role as a datum line for future development that could extend the city core. However, the redevelopment of the site was generally viewed as acceptable in terms of its impact on the setting of heritage assets. Neil Finn, who had previously investigated the site, was expected to draw attention to its archaeological interest.

Trees outside City Rooms

The panel was scheduled to discuss the trees located outside the City Rooms on the corner of Hotel Street and Market Place South. The report pack highlighted the importance of trees in the urban environment and the potential hazards associated with removing long-established trees, such as the risk of heave and flooding. Conversely, the benefits of opening up views of the highly graded listed building were also to be considered, alongside the potential risk posed by the root systems of larger trees to building foundations. A range of views were anticipated, including discussions on reducing the trees' canopy and how views might change seasonally.

Other Development Proposals

The meeting agenda also included a pre-application discussion regarding development at Mayflower Primary School on Evington Drive, under pre-app planning application 20260003.

Additionally, the panel was to be informed of several other planning applications, on which they were not expected to make specific comments unless a request was made in advance. These included:

• 101-105 High Street, The High Cross: A change of use from a vacant shop to part of a public house, with extensions and alterations.
• 73 Granby Street, Ramada Jarvis (The Grand Hotel): Internal and external alterations to a Grade II listed building.
• 96a Clarendon Park Road: Construction of an upwards extension to create two self-contained flats, a roof terrace, and associated stores.
• 64 St Barnabas Road: Replacement of an existing ground floor window and brickwork with a new access door.
• 50 Kate Street, Flats 1 and 2: Construction of a second floor to extend two flats into larger duplex flats.
• 4 Birkdale Avenue: Construction of a porch, installation of a uPVC window, and single and two-storey extensions.
• 49 Highfield Street: Change of use from a dwellinghouse to a house in multiple occupation for six persons, with alterations.
• 19-21 Main Street, Evington: Addition of planters in front of the shop.
• 60 Clarendon Park Road: Construction of a single-storey extension at the rear of a house.
• 16 Ratcliffe Road: Demolition of a conservatory and construction of a single-storey extension at the rear of a house.
• 368 London Road, Gables Hotel: Installation of a non-illuminating fascia sign.
• St Hugh's Parish Church, Sturdee Road: Installation of a cross with a corpus on the east wall of the church tower.
• 32 Ratcliffe Road, Inglewood: Construction of a single-storey extension at the rear of a house and internal/external alterations to a Grade II* listed building.
• 94-98 Regent Road: Change of use from educational use to student accommodation, with a single-storey extension, landscaping, and parking.
• 191 Ross Walk: Part-demolition, extension, and conversion of an existing building to create flats and offices.
• 12 Lower Brown Street, Knightsbridge House: Change of use from office to higher education.
• Leicester Central Fire Station, Lancaster Place: Internal and external alterations to a Grade II listed building, including the construction of steps, replacement doors, and the installation of condensers.
• 3 St James Street: Variation of conditions attached to a listed building consent and planning permission related to roof strengthening.
• 1c Glenfield Road: Variation of a condition related to materials for a boundary wall.
• 20 Stoughton Road: Rear extension to a garage and construction of a detached outbuilding for use as a gym and summer room.
• 198 London Road, The Old Horse: Installation of two internally illuminated fascia signs.
• Slater Street Primary School: Internal and external alterations to a Grade II listed building, including the replacement of windows with doors and the installation of canopies.
• 195 Gwendolen Road: Demolition of units and creation of additional parking spaces, with alterations to Unit 16.