Residents fear for future of 'majestic' Fen view

People living near a riverside path and woodland have said building industrial units on land overlooking the area "shouldn't be allowed".

There are proposals to build on 115.5 hectares (285 acres) north of the old River Nene in Stanground, Peterborough.

The project was mentioned in the city's draft local plan, a document used by developers as a blueprint for planning, which is out for public consultation until 23:59 BST on Thursday.

Nick Thulbourn, Peterborough City Council's cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said any proposals needed to be carried out in a "planned way".

Thulbourn said: "We understand proposals for growth can be challenging for communities.

"At this stage, the plan is still in draft form, so the public's feedback is essential."

The site near Stanground, known locally as Drysides, has been earmarked for a mixture of industrial, storage and distribution units, and offices.

It would be visible from a shared path on the south side of the old River Nene that links Stanground Lock with Park Farm Pond.

In the local plan, Peterborough City Council said permission would only be granted under certain circumstances.

That included considering the impact on countryside views, biodiversity and local heritage.

Olly, 11, regularly goes walking in the area with his mum, Mandy, 50.

He said the view from the path was "majestic", adding: "Having concrete all along here... traffic and pollution noise, it's just going to disrupt us.

"It's just a load of nonsense really, it shouldn't be allowed."

Mandy said: "Why would you want to build on this, it's beautiful."

Jackie Bodimead, 62, said development "should not happen" in the area, which she described as a wildlife corridor with "massive historical significance".

She said: "What it does for wildlife is fantastic, you get bats flying along here in summer evenings."

Ms Bodimead said anything that disrupted wildlife "surely is important and shouldn't be happening".

Ron and Sue Gockel, both 78, said the area was a means for people to "get away from everything".

Mr Gockel said: "We used to come down here when the lockdown was on and I think it saved a few people's sanity coming down here."

They have both objected to the proposals in the local plan.

"They don't need to build a huge great industrial park... we'd never have believed they would build on here," said Mr Gockel.

Chris Harper, a Stanground South councillor and leader of Peterborough First, has been campaigning for residents to send comments to the council.

He said: "I've gone to the people, social media, 1,100 leaflets have gone out, signs everywhere.

"This is in danger and [people] must have their say."

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