The council have announced a consultation on future tall structures in the city:
SUGGESTED criteria for future tall buildings in Leicester are to be the subject of a consultation exercise by Leicester City Council.
The draft guidelines call for consideration of a number of factors when deciding on planning applications. These include:
• architectural excellence
• effect on the local environment
• relationship to transport infrastructure
• sustainable design
• contribution to public spaces
While there is no formal national definition, the suggested guidelines define a tall building as one more than 25 metres in height, or one substantially higher than surrounding buildings, or a building which would make a visible impact on the skyline when viewed from key points in the city.
The guidelines acknowledge that while tall buildings could act as landmarks, stimulate regeneration, and strengthen the city’s image, they could also obstruct views, detract from historic buildings, and create large areas of shadow.
Suggested criteria for handling a proposal for a tall building are outlined, and the guidance calls for all planning applications to provide backup material to enable a proper assessment.
No attempt is made to specify appropriate locations for tall buildings.
The guidance will be made available for public inspection for a six-week period, starting on Monday, April 24th. It will be posted on the city council’s website at
www.leicester.gov.uk/regenerationconsultation and responses can be sent to Richard Riley, Urban design Group, Regeneration and Culture, Leicester City Council, New Walk Centre, Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZG, telephone (0116) 252 7214, Mini-com: (0116) 252 7222 Fax: (0116) 247 1149 email:
richard.riley@leicester.gov.uk