New homes by Showground

An outline application for the 5.66 hectare site in Alwalton was passed without objection by members on Peterborough City Council’s planning committee last week.

The land had already been allocated for up to 210 dwellings, but a new access route off Oundle Road is causing concerns for residents who would prefer it to go through Joseph Odam Way, the road which leads to the Showground.

Elizabeth Moore, who has lived in Alwalton for 38 years, said: “We know this housing development will go ahead. The huge problem is the access. Using Joseph Odam Way is the only solution.

“If the proposed access is used for the development, traffic lights will cause more problems than they solve. Waiting drivers will become impatient and risks will be taken.

“We will not benefit at all with this development.”

Much of Alwalton is designated as a Conservation Area but David Henry of Savills, agents for the application, said the village would be preserved and that the signalised junction would give priority to people who were coming out of it.

He added: “The proposed development attracts very little traffic from the A1.”

Commenting on the planning application, Alwalton Parish Council said: “The negative impact of this development would be enormously reduced if access were provided through Joseph Odam Way.”

However, according to the planning committee’s information document, the road is away from the application site and that improvements would also need to be made.

Debating the application, committee member Nigel North said: “I take into account this has been looked into from three different agencies. On balance, I think it’s a good scheme.”

Peter Hiller said: “I think it’s a particularly attractive scheme. I personally do not see any problem with it.”