Cowgate flats plan rejected

An application had been submitted to the city council to convert office space on the upper floors above Century 21 and City & County in Cowgate to six residential units.

The application stated: “The development is an opportunity for providing a net increase in housing within Peterborough and re-use of otherwise redundant office accommodation.”

This was the second time plans for 4-6 Cowgate had been submitted in 2020 after an earlier application was rejected by the council due to “adverse noise impacts”.

The latest plans included a noise assessment from Cass Allen Associates which concluded: “There are no noise related reasons why planning permission should not be granted in this instance.”

However, this failed to assure Peterborough City Council’s planning department, which stated: “The proposal, by virtue of its location and design, would result in an unacceptable level of amenity for future occupiers through adverse noise impacts.

“This is in relation to the existing noise sources within the surrounding area... as well as noise associated with the night-time economy and nearby taxi rank.

“Whilst a noise assessment has been submitted it does not provide the necessary information with regards to the exact mitigation measures proposed.”

Bedroom windows for three of the flats would also “not provide adequate natural light provision,” it was added.