Flats plan on edge of city centre approved

Plans to build a block of more than 40 flats on the edge of Leicester city centre have been approved.

Nest Properties Ltd submitted a planning application to Leicester City Council earlier this year to demolish buildings between 169-177 Walnut Street and replace them with a five-storey property.

According to planning documents, the proposed development would consist of 31 one-bed flats and 11 two-bed flats, as well as office space on the ground floor.

Planning officers approved the application and said the scheme and location was suitable for residential development, which was in "high demand" in the city.

The proposal also includes a space for offices on the ground floor of the development and 53 solar panels on the roof.

The site currently consists of a vehicle maintenance garage, which will be demolished, and a car park.

The proposal received two formal objections which raised concerns about the potential impact on neighbouring residential properties, including privacy, overshadowing and an increase in parking pressures.

The council also received an objection from Leicester Civic Society, which raised concerns the proposal would constitute as over-development and would further impact on the existing Victorian fabric of the area.

Chloe Young, planning case officer at the council, said: "The site is located in Walnut Street Regeneration Area [in which] policies state the area should be residential focused.

"I therefore consider the use of residential in this location to be acceptable in principle and substantial weight should be given for the provision of the 42 flats."

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