Residents urged to voice their opinions as Peterborough landlord launches campaign opposing Werrington flats development

The application, which was validated on August 26 is for two main blocks, three storeys high and a third to the rear, two storeys high. This will also contain three retail units on the ground floor.

Between them, the blocks will offer 67 flats (35 one bedroom, 30 two bedroom and two three bedroom flats).

The existing outdoor areas would be relandscaped and there would be 88 parking spaces provided.

In both 2018 and 2019, plans for developments at the Werrington Centre have been rejected.

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The plans also propose moving the bus stop at the site further south along Goodwin walk.

One of those opposed to this is Andy Simmonds and he has promised to fight the proposals put forward by KREAM and Funding Affordable Homes.

He said: “Werrington centre is already oversubscribed. Between the Werrington Centre, the library, the community centre and William Law school, Staniland way is already a nightmare to get in and out of.

“There is potentially a safety issue too as it is a concealed junction at the side of the petrol station and we already see a lot of HGVs delivering to Tesco. The same can be said for moving the bus stop, which will cause a lot of disruption and more safety concerns.

“It’s not as if we don’t welcome new homes but it should be in proportion to the area. I already can’t get a doctors appointment for two weeks or get in at the dentist and I have suggested a number of more suitable sites for these homes to be built on.

“What we need in the centre is a new retail area. Since Tesco bought the centre, we’ve lost so many small businesses such as the bakers and chemists. With Tesco closing their deli and bakery, there is nowhere to get fresh food anymore.

“It’s disheartening because I’ve lived in the area since 1980 and I remember when the centre was full of big open spaces and low-level shop fronts.

“The area is in need of regeneration, we’ve got street lights outside that haven’t worked for 10 years, poor signage in and out of the Tesco car park, a lack of speed bumps and a lot of anti-social behaviour. I know a lot of businesses that have been put off by high rents and the state of the site.”

“The plans are just not fitting in with the area, it’s too big and we don’t want it. It’s time the people of Werrington had a voice.

“We will be running a good clean community campaign. We will be holding a socially distanced walk of the proposed site to see the impact this monstrosity will have. The developers will have a fight on their hands from us.”

The plans are currently in the consultation process and residents have been urged to share their views online by ward councillors John and Judy Fox.

John said: “We need the people of Werrington to go online and let us know what they want. We have been elected to represent them and we’ll treat this issue how we are instructed by the people.

“I have listened to some concerns so far but the most important thing is that people voice their opinions before it’s too late.

“After a decision has been made, it will be very difficult to reverse it.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow added: “It’s absolutely crucial that any scheme has the support for local businesses and residents.

“I would urge the developer to listen carefully to any campaign against the development and try to reassure and act. I shall be meeting with connected parties and listening to their views.”