A call for a rethink on a major development plan for Peterborough has fallen on deaf ears.

Councillors have voted to defend Peterborough draft Local Plan, which will guide the city’s development for 20 years, despite concerns that it does not contain enough employment land.

But at an extra-ordinary meeting of Peterborough City Council on September 29, councillors voted to back the draft Local Plan following a controversial decision by the ruling cabinet last month to drop the inclusion of the Drysides site at Stanground as a suitable site for employment and industrial uses.

That decision had been called-in for review over concerns that without Drysides the city will have a 21 per cent shortfall in allocated jobs creation land with the council running the risk the draft local plan would be rejected by government officials.

An aerial view of The Fletton area of Peterborough including the River Nene and The Weston Homes Stadium home of Peterborough United Football Club

placeholder image — An aerial view of The Fletton area of Peterborough including the River Nene and The Weston Homes Stadium home of Peterborough United Football Club

But after a three hour meeting, councillors voted by 38 to nil to approve a recommendation to endorse the Local Plan. Two councillors abstained.

A final decision on whether to put the draft Local Plan out to public consultation will be made by cabinet members on October 1.

If the move is approved, public consultation will start on October 2.

Explainer: Why mystery over disappearing jobs land is so important to Peterborou...

After the meeting, Councillor Numan Ali Iqbal, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said: “We are pleased that we have the endorsement of full council for our Local Plan following the call-in of the original Cabinet decision.

“As we have said before, our Local Plan needs to be considered and in the best interests for the future growth of our city.

It ensures growth in our city happens in the right way and in the right areas.

It designates areas of the city for employment land, housing and even more importantly – stops development in areas which we want to retain as green space.

“As a city of growth and expansion, it is imperative that development takes place in a planned and organised way which would benefit the city’s long-term sustainable growth – with the needs of our residents firmly in mind.”

The deadline for the Local Plan to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate is December 31, 2026.

But under new rules introduced in March this year, if the deadline is missed the council would have to start the entire Local Plan process again.