Victory for Peterborough homeowners over proposed 400 space university car park

Residents living in Bishop’s Road had raised concerns of an increase in traffic and noise, a loss of green space and a lack of privacy over the proposed car park which was included in a planning application for a research centre at the Embankment.

Questions were also raised as to who would be able to access the car park, and at what times, while there was disgruntlement that the number of spaces proposed had increased from the original plan of 180.

An online petition was created which sparked a reaction from Peterborough City Council leader Cllr John Holdich, who said the plans will now be altered to make sure the proposed car park for ARU Peterborough is re-located and is only on one level.

Cllr Holdich, who is also deputy mayor of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, which is leading the university project, told the Peterborough Telegraph: “The car park was put it in as a safety measure - we don’t need one that big.

“We’re going to withdraw that current part of the application and replace it with a level car park. Negotiations for exactly where it will go are still going on but it won’t be a multi-storey car park.

“I told the petitioners I don’t think the multi-storey is needed and will speak to the planners. They said they will alter the application to be in a more suitable place and low level.

“We’re now looking to vary the application.”

Carole Ferguson, one of the residents who would have been affected by the new car park, said: “All those I’ve notified are very pleased with this decision but eager to find out what the alternative solution will be.

“It is encouraging that the community has come together as it has over this issue, that this has been acknowledged by the council and the current plans are being amended.

“Once again, a massive thank you to all those involved.”

A planning application for the multi-storey was submitted earlier this year as part of plans for a new three-storey manufacturing and materials research and development centre.

The building is due to be accessed via a new road off Bishop’s Road, while new bus stops nearby are also proposed.

The car park was planned to be accessed via a new T-junction which would also serve the existing Regional Pool car park.

A decision on the application is expected to be made by the end of June.