Development fears voiced as Peterborough councillors challenge loss of key employment land
The progress of a jobs and homes development blueprint to determine Peterborough’s future for the next two decades could be delayed when councillors meet on September 15.
Three councillors have demanded a review of the city’s draft Local Plan after an area of land earmarked for employment land at the East of England Showground was withdrawn from the document at a meeting of Peterborough City Council’s ruling cabinet.
Now a scrutiny committee meeting is to be held on September 15 to review the evidence for the removal of a proposed 115.5 hectare industrial development for Drysides near Stanground.
Concerns have been voiced the removing the site will have an adverse impact on jobs creation and the growth of the city.
The committee will also be asked to decide if the combined impact of a proposed 2,070 homes planned for the East of England Showground has been adequately assessed in relation to the planned provision of roads, transport, schools, health, drainage and other necessary infrastructure.
The call-in has been led by Conservative councillor Kirsty Knight and supported by the Conservative group and signed by Cllr Steve Allen and Cllr Asim Mahmood.
A Conservative group spokesperson said: “Cabinet removed around 115 hectares of strategic employment land at Stanground at the same time as Peterborough is planning for substantial housing growth.
“We want clear evidence showing how the city’s future employment needs will still be met and why such a major change was justified. (
"It is a great concern that after months of meetings and discussions, cabinet changed their mind at the eleventh hour during the meeting itself. This doesn’t appear to be robust decision making.
“We are also concerned about the cumulative impact around the East of England Showground.”
The extraordinary meeting of the Economy, Inclusive Growth and Environment sub-committee will meet at 7pm .
But councillors have been warned that demanding a rethink on the Local Plan could held its approval and which leave the council in a weak position.
A spokesperson said: “A council without an up-to-date Local Plan is often in a weaker position when resisting inappropriate development.
"Government can also intervene where planning authorities fail to make sufficient progress on plan-making.
"National guidance emphasises the expectation that all areas should be covered by an up-to-date Local Plan.”