Inspector refuses 'convenient' car park proposals in Leicester
In a decision notice, the Planning Inspectorate said the car park had a "poor design" and would "harm" the appearance of the area.Plans to demolish James House in Welford Road were first approved in August 2022, after applicant Cheswold Welford Road Ltd submitted plans to create two blocks of flats.The proposed development would host 517 bed spaces across two buildings - one for students and the other for standard rent - but the developer's bid to be able to use both buildings for student accommodation was refused.The site has been used as a temporary car park following the demolition of the former office building, appeal documents said.The applicant requested retrospective permission from Leicester City Council to use the land as a car park for five years while amendments to the flats development were discussed. Leicester City Council then rejected proposals for a car park in November 2024, and Euro Car Parks lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate in May 2025.
In the appeal, Euro Car Parks stated the 24-hour car park provided "convenient parking" and was used "frequently" by NHS workers.It added: "The car park also provides additional capacity to existing car parking in the area in a location where the demand for parking is high at all times of day."However, in conclusion, the Planning Inspectorate said: "The proposal would supply about 100 temporary car parking spaces for the city, but this benefit is outweighed by the poor design and quality of provision and the harm that is caused to the character and appearance of the area."
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