Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a Planning Application and Listed Building Application for a change of use to provide student accommodation, flexible commercial (Class E) and drinking establishment (Sui Generis) use; the partial demolition of existing buildings; erection of a rear extension to Nos. 24-26 Great George Street to provide student accommodation; external alterations; hard and soft landscaping works; and associated works.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented a planning application and a listed buildings application for a change of use to provide student accommodation, flexible commercial (Class E) and drinking establishment (Sui Generis) use; the partial demolition of existing buildings; erection of a rear extension to Nos 24-26 Great George Street to provide student accommodation; external alterations; hard and soft landscaping works; and associated works at 24-28 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3DL.

Members attended the site prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the applications.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the applications included the following:

·  There would be student accommodation at first floor level of the Victoria Hotel building with the ground floor to remain as a public house.  The building which was used for Shenanigans would be available for commercial use.

·  It was proposed to alter the frontage of the Shenanigans building which would be more in line with the original appearance.

·  Following the publication of the report there had been a response from Leeds Civic Trust and further information regarding improved cooking facilities in the student accommodation.

·  The buildings were Grade II and considered to be of heritage importance.

·  There would be some demolition work to the rear of the building to allow for the building of the extension.

·  Floor plans were displayed.  There would be a total of 67 student apartments.

·  Arrangements for student arrival and departure were explained.  There would be loading bays and facility for on street parking.

·  The extension would be seven storeys and CGI images were displayed showing the design and materials to be used.

·  Landscaping – opportunities were limited but there would be some in the courtyards to the rear.  The trees to the side of the Shenanigans building would be replaced.

·  The economic, social and environmental benefits of the re-use of a listed building.

·  The application was recommended for approval.

In response to questions and comments, the following was discussed:

·  The existing trees at the side of the buildings would have to be removed to facilitate the building of the extension.  They would be replaced with trees of a similar canopy spread.

·  The signage on the front of the Victoria Hotel would largely be decided by the operator.  It could be retained and restored and example of similar instances were reported.

·  The height of the extension was decided on following discussions with officers and Historic England.  It was originally planned to be higher.  Substantial investment was required to bring the building back into use.

·  The division of the room space in the Shenanigans building would be decided on by any incoming tenant but would require listed building consent.

·  There were some constraints on room sizes and layouts due to listed building requirements.  It had been aimed to achieve at least the minimum room size standard.

·  Concern had been raised regarding the blank finish to the gable end of the Shenanigans building.  There would be new detailing around the windows and materials would match the extension.  It was suggested that some form of artwork may be appropriate.

·  Members broadly supported the application and the officer recommendation was moved and seconded and voted on.

RESOLVED – That application 21/08693/FU be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer for approval, subject to the conditions in the appendix to the report (and any amendment to or addition of others which the Chief Planning Officer considers appropriate) and subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure the following:

1.  Employment and training of local people.

2.  Occupation of the residential units by students only.

3.  CAVAT sum for replacement tree requirement of £9,824.00.

4.  Off site highways works contribution of £41,000.00 towards nearby bi-directional cycle lanes and improved crossings for both pedestrians and people on bikes.

5.  Visitor cycling or e-bikes provision in the vicinity of the development contribution of £10,000.00.

6.  Management fee.

In the circumstances where the Section 106 has not been completed within 3 months of the Panel resolution to grant planning permission, the final determination of the applications shall be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer.

That application 21/08694/LI be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer for approval, subject to the conditions in the appendix to the report (and any amendment to or addition of others which the Chief Planning Officer considers appropriate)