Councillor criticises ownership dispute that has left Peterborough residents living with eyesore near homes
A councillor has demanded a rapid end to a dispute that has left some Peterborough residents living near an eyesore for years.
Fly-tipping, ugly fencing and a general mess has sprung up around Bretton Court, in Bretton, blighting the area for many residents who live nearby.
The cause has been blamed on the uncertainty surrounding the future of the mostly empty Bretton Court which is at the centre of an ownership dispute between Peterborough City Council and social; housing association Cross Keys Homes, of Shrewsbury Avenue, Woodston
Now Councillor Richard Strangward, one of the area’s representatives on the council, has called on local authority chiefs to get the issue resolved without further delay.
He said: “This mess around Bretton Court has been a blight for about 10 years.
"It is not fair for the many people who live nearby and who have to put up with seeing this mess day after day.
Cllr Strangward added: "At least for the last five years, the place has been targeted by vandals and rough sleepers.
"As well as vandalism, there are piles of rubbish and some fencing around the site – it is just an eyesore for local people.
"The council and Cross Keys Homes need to get this sorted out with further delay.”
At the heart of the uncertainty surrounding Bretton Court is a drawn out transfer of ownership of the council-owned Medesham Homes, which operates Bretton Court, to Cross Keys Homes.
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes has written to bosses at both Cross Keys Homes and Peterborough City Council to quickly take joint action to resolve the crisis.
His letter states: “This has been going on for far too long with residents in the local area left to deal with the consequences.
“Why is it residents should be left waiting for action because of delays in ownership between the council and Cross Keys Homes?”
Councillor Mohammed Jamil, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Governance, said: “We are fully aware of the issues concerning Bretton Court, including the impact this may be having on nearby residents, and are actively working with Cross Keys Homes to resolve the long-term future of the site as part of our interest in Medesham Homes Ltd.
"We are working to agree terms, and conclude discussions with Cross Keys Homes as soon as possible.
"Following this it is anticipated that the site will eventually be refurbished or redeveloped."
A spokesperson for Cross Keys Homes said: “We have been looking to dissolve the Medesham Homes partnership for several years now since it was clear that Peterborough City Council didn’t want to keep investing in the joint venture.
“We have made several offers to them and are still waiting for the council’s response with draft heads of agreement on our most recent offer made in August 2025.
“Unfortunately, without a response, it is impossible for Cross Keys Homes to move forward and realise the positive benefits of the site regardless of which partner takes it over.”