Objections to hotel bid
PLANNERS TO DETERMINE SCHEME FOR FORMER CITY POLICE STATION
PLANS to turn a Victorian police station into a hotel have resulted in several objections.
The old police station on the corner of Loughborough Road and Holden Street, in Belgrave, Leicester, has stood empty for many years.
Platinum Homes wants to turn the building into a four-room hotel, which has prompted concerns about extra traffic in the area, parking problems and the risk to the 140-year-old building.
Planning officers at the city council had been prepared to allow the development – with some conditions – without it going to councillors.
But after a number of objections, the application is due to go councillors at a meeting today.
The complaints, from five residents and Belgrave Hall Conservation Area Society, include:
■ The junction is already becoming busy after homes were built around Ross Walk;
■ There is a lack of parking in the area;
■ Anti-social behaviour could be increased;
■ The building is of historic significance and should be preserved.
There have been numerous plans to revamp the former Loughborough Road police station over the years – as a gym, flats, student accommodation and as an education centre – but none has got off the ground.
Summarising the application, the planning officers said in their report to councillors: “The proposal is to convert the building to a hotel.
“The plans show four letting rooms, ranging from 57sqm to 68sqm, a reception area, gym, kitchen, dining room, laundry and store.
“Seven car parking spaces would be provided, and cycle parking.
“No major external changes are proposed, although a substantial amount of repair and refurbishment is needed.
“A small section of external wall, within the site, will have to be removed to provide the southern parking area.”
The report goes on to say there would be “substantial” changes inside, including the creation of a suspended floor and the creation of a staircase, while some external doors would be taken out of use.
The planning officers said in their report the councillors should approve the application, with a number of conditions.
Their conclusion to the report said: “The proposed refurbishment and beneficial use of this building is welcomed.
“The proposed hotel use is not a fundamentally unsuitable use for the building or the location.
“Matters relating to highway safety and impact on neighbours can be dealt with by condition.”
The deadline for objections to the application has passed.
Today’s meeting will be held online at 5.30pm and can be viewed on the council website.