Green light for plans to turn prominent Peterborough office into apartments

Planning chiefs have granted approval for proposals to turn Blenheim Court, in Peppercorn Close, off Maskew Avenue, into a range of apartments.

The plans will mean the creation of 20 apartments made up of 10 studios and 10 one-bedroom apartments.

The proposal has been put together by the applicant Shaz Nawaz and has been approved by Peterborough City Council.

A statement submitted with the application says: “The project is the change of use from commercial office space to apartments.

"The site comprises of two office units, 5 and 6 Blenheim Court.

"Each unit will have 10 individual self contained apartments made up of five studios and five one bed apartments.

Highways officials had expressed concerns about the proposed width of an access road and the space available for vehicle turning.

But, according to a council statement, the developer’s agreement to revise the position of five of the 20 car parking spaces had eased the concerns of Highways officers.

"The existing vehicle entrance will also easily accommodate refuse vehicles access to the proposed bin stores.

The developer has three years to carry out the development before the approval expires.

The developer must also submit details of a secure cycle shelter for at least 16 bicycles before the first apartment is occupied.

The former office building is one of a number of commercial properties where work is underway to convert them into accommodation.

Plans have also just been unveiled to convert the four storey Monkstone House in City Road, into 65 apartments by building an extra two storeys on top.