Rejected plans for 650 homes to be reconsidered

Residents concerned about plans to build hundreds of homes have been urged to make their presence felt at a council meeting.

Peterborough City Council approved proposals for 850 new properties, a hotel and leisure facilities on the disused East Of England Showground in October.

A second blueprint for a further 650 homes was rejected amid concerns about overdevelopment but planning documents described the inclusion of 195 affordable homes as a "significant benefit".

The BBC now understands the decision is to be reconsidered at a meeting on 13 January and two councillors who oppose the plans have posted leaflets to local residents, saying their attendance at the meeting would "speak volumes".

Julie Stevenson, an Independent councillor, and Nicola Day, a Green Party councillor, who both represent the Orton Waterville ward, said: "Your voices deserve to be heard.

"There will not be an opportunity for you to speak at the meeting but your presence will speak volumes.

"This isn't about party politics. We are united in representing, supporting and defending the way of life that you have worked hard to build here."

The previous meeting was attended by about 100 people including residents who supported the development and others who feared it would be "detrimental" to the neighbouring areas.

Concerns were raised about overdevelopment but council planning documents concluded "the adverse impacts of granting planning permission would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits".

Ashley Butterfield from developers AEPG said it would "serve as a blueprint of future projects".

The Appeals and Planning Review committee meeting is due to take place at the council's city centre offices at Fletton Quays from 13:30 GMT on 13 January.

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