‘Transformational’ 120 home plan for Bretton Court in Peterborough

Plans are being debated to either convert the site into a residential scheme of 45 flats, or a more comprehensive redevelopment which would create between 90 to 120 homes following demolition works.

The latter would have a “transformational effect” on the Bretton Centre, according to Peterborough City Council.

Whichever scheme gets the go ahead it would mark the latest attempt to develop the area after plans to convert the former offices into 43 homes - which would have been used as temporary accommodation - was rejected by the council’s planning committee due to a lack of parking spaces.

The site - a former council-owned office block and the Roundhead pub - is owned by Medesham Homes, a joint venture between the council and housing association Cross Keys Homes.

According to a report released by the council: “This project has the potential to be either a refurbishment/conversion development creating a residential scheme of 45 flats, or a more significant demolition and redevelopment project to build in the region of 90-120 new homes, subject to planning.”

It adds: “The new-build option would be a significant regeneration proposal with improvements to the commercial, residential and public realm aspects of the estate and, if developed, it would have a transformational effect on the whole Bretton Centre.

“In advance of development, enabling works have been undertaken on site at Bretton Court to remove asbestos and other non-structural materials from the building, and this work was completed at the end of January 2021.”

One consideration for which scheme to progress will be access to funding.

A spokesperson for Medesham Homes said: “We are considering all options for this site at present and are certainly hoping to bring some much needed new affordable homes to Bretton. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties as part of the planning process.”