Revised plan for 100 affordable flats in Peterborough city centre

Last summer, an application from First Urban was approved by the city council to convert office space at Midgate House into 102 units.

The building currently has several retail units on the ground floor including Ladbrokes and Greggs which were not part of the plans.

Midgate House is also the home of the city’s dental access centre and the national offices for the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

However, a new planning application has been submitted by Reliance Social Housing and Midgate House which is said to be in the process of purchasing the site.

According to a statement submitted to the council, it is seeking to convert the first, second and third floors from office use into 101 self-contained affordable flats which would be rented out.

Of these, 37 would be studios, while two would have one bedroom and 62 would have two bedrooms. Tenants would also have access to two lounges, a gym and a yoga room.

And like the previously approved application, there would be cycle racks for residents but no car parking spots.

The application adds: “The intention is for the scheme to provide much needed affordable housing within the city centre. It is considered that the proposal will provide both social and economic benefits and make full and efficient use of what is currently an underused building.”