Flats plan to go ahead following noise concerns

A conversion of Southgate House from offices into flats can now take place

A disused office block in Leicester can now be turned into flats despite previous concerns over noise.

Planning officers ruled in favour of the bid for the vacant Southgate House offices in the city centre, which was first tabled in March 2024 but rejected at the time as the applicant had not submitted a noise report.

Officers said Millstone Lane, at the back of the building, was known for "night-time uses", while further concerns were raised about the closed Criterion pub next door to the site, which had hosted "live music and comedy on some nights".

Officers have now ruled the scheme is acceptable after a noise report was sent to them.

The applicant said the scheme would include "enhanced double glazing" on windows to ensure any future residents were not disturbed, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Noise pollution officers said they no longer had any concerns about the development subject to the glazing and related ventilation being included.

Some 24 one-bedroom flats are set to be created across the four upper floors of the five-storey building, with six on each level.