The Planning and Development Control Committee of Leicester City Council met on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss several planning applications. The committee approved the change of use of a property to a children's care home, granted permission for a significant house extension, and approved the construction of a new block of apartments.

83 Laverton Road: Change of Use to Children's Care Home

The committee approved the application to change the use of a four-bedroom detached dwelling at 83 Laverton Road from a family home (Class C3) to a children's care home for up to three children (Class C2). The applicant, Treasure Nest Ltd, is an experienced provider with two existing homes rated good and outstanding by Ofsted.

Concerns were raised by local residents regarding potential noise and disturbance, traffic and parking, and the impact on the residential character of the area, particularly for vulnerable neighbours. They also questioned responsibility for any damages caused by the children.

Officers addressed these concerns, stating that the proposed use would not inherently be more noisy than a large family home and that shift changes would be managed to minimise disturbance. Regarding parking, it was noted that the property's driveway and garage could accommodate at least three staff members, with additional off-street parking available in the area. The officer report also highlighted that the council's social care department supported the application, noting a qualitative need for experienced providers in the city, even though the overall volume of bed spaces is met.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick expressed concerns about the oversupply of children's homes in the city and the potential strain on services like Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). He also referenced the historical issues in Rochdale linked to a concentration of children's homes. However, Councillor Dr Lynn Moore argued that having spare capacity is important for responding to emergencies and that children in care are not inherently disruptive.

The decision to approve was made subject to conditions, including that the home be operated only by Treasure Nest Ltd and that the property revert to a family home if the use ceases. The committee voted to approve the application, with one abstention.

4 Burnaston Road: Householder Extension

Permission was granted for the construction of a two-storey extension to the side and rear, and a single-storey rear extension at 4 Burnaston Road. The application had received seven objections from six addresses, including from Councillor Nigel Porter, who cited concerns about the scale, massing, and potential impact on daylight, sunlight, outlook, and privacy for neighbouring properties.

Objectors argued that the proposed extension, particularly the two-storey rear element, was excessive in scale, would disrupt the established building line, and would be overbearing. They also raised concerns about the potential for increased overshadowing and loss of privacy.

The planning officer's report stated that while the two-storey rear extension introduced a new element to the area, its harm to the character and design of the locality would be limited due to its rear-facing position and modest scale. The report also noted that the proposed extension would not significantly intersect the 45-degree line from neighbouring principal windows, thus maintaining acceptable levels of daylight and sunlight. The officer concluded that the scale of the extension was proportionate to the site and the original dwelling.

The committee voted to approve the officer's recommendation, with one abstention.

122a Western Road: Block of Apartments

The committee approved the application for the construction of a four and six-storey block of 46 apartments at 122a Western Road, comprising 29 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom units. The development also includes 16 car parking spaces and a rooftop garden.

The application had attracted 18 objections, raising concerns about residential amenity, character and appearance, precedent, highways and parking, ecology, and anti-social behaviour. A key point of contention was the provision of only 16 parking spaces for 46 apartments, which was significantly below the council's parking standards.

Officers acknowledged the concerns regarding parking and cycle provision, noting that the Local Highway Authority had initially objected. However, they concluded that given the site's sustainable inner-city location, the provision of 16 spaces was acceptable, especially as the original proposal had no parking. The report also highlighted that the development would redevelop an under-utilised brownfield site and contribute to the city's housing supply. The scheme was also praised for its energy efficiency measures, including solar panels and a green roof, and for meeting high accessibility standards for the apartments.

Councillor O'Neill and Councillor Mohammed expressed reservations about the parking provision but ultimately supported the application, as did Councillor Kitterick, who noted the development would help disguise the awful Code building nearby. The application was approved subject to numerous conditions, including those related to construction management, land contamination, energy efficiency, and the provision of wildlife habitats.

12 Goodwood Road, St Joseph's Church Presbytery: Alterations to Presbytery

Permission was granted for minor external alterations to the presbytery ancillary to St Joseph's Church at 12 Goodwood Road. The alterations involve the replacement of a glazed area with a door on the north elevation and the relocation of a door on the east-facing elevation. These changes will facilitate the subdivision of the presbytery to accommodate three members of the clergy, rather than one.

The church itself is Grade II listed, but the presbytery is not. No objections were received for this application. The planning officer's report stated that the works were minor and would have a neutral impact on the appearance of the building and a negligible impact on the setting of the listed church.

The committee approved the application, with conditions including that the materials used match existing ones and that the presbytery remains solely for the occupation of the clergy and ancillary to the church.