Up to 850 homes at East Of England Showground, Alwalton, Peterborough

“The proposed development incorporates potential employment opportunities, primarily through the proposed leisure, care village and hotel elements. Noting that the proposed retail element is limited to “not more than 1000 sqm...”, with reference to the requirements of LP12, an “impact assessment, which includes a robust assessment of impact on nearby centres” is not required.”

“Following the changes to the Use Class Order in September 2020 (via the Business and Planning Act 2020), the ‘D1 and D2’ use classes were revoked to fall under the ‘new’ Class E. As such, a proportion of the proposed 20,300 sqm of Class E floorspace could accommodate conference facilities.”

“LP3 outlines a focus to ‘...make the most effective use of previously developed land...’ and identifies the EESG site as an Urban Extension. LP35 identifies the EESG site as being ‘...allocated for development in accordance with policy LP5’ and identifies an indicative number of dwellings (650).”

“Policy LP36 states: Within the East of England Showground, as defined on the Policies Map, the following uses will be supported in principle, subject to, if the proposal is of a significant scale, an approved masterplan for the Showground: • Facilities directly related to the function of shows on the Showground itself • Conference facilities (D1 and D2) • Employment related development • Residential development of around 650 dwellings.”

“The main issues to consider in the determination of this application are: • Principle of Development • Transport Impacts • Drainage and Flood Risk • Ecology and Biodiversity…”

“Design and Character • Housing Mix • Heritage Impacts • Impacts upon the amenity of neighbours • Amenity and Health of Future Occupants • Section 106 Contributions and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)”

“The proposed development is considered to make efficient use of the land within the boundary of the application site and the required broad range of housing can be secured through the Developer Contributions process (S106 obligations) and the Development Management process at Reserved Matters (REM)stage.”

“PCC Highways No objection in principle subject to adequate mitigation. However, there remain some technical issues still to be resolved around the highways mitigation, particularly the upgrade and signalisation of the Oundle Road, Orton Parkway roundabout and safety measures around Linden Gardens. Recommend conditions and section 106 obligations.”

“Proposed quantum of development represents overdevelopment of the site and conflicts with LP30, LP36, LP35.7, LP11 and Local Plan in general Conflict with NPPF paragraphs 99, 102 and 196 Loss of speedway – negative impacts on community and leisure Speedway track is an asset of community value Applicant has made the Speedway use unviable Loss of showground – national significance, sports, leisure, tourism facility. A precious commodity that once gone is gone forever…”

“Increased traffic and congestion Only one access which is unsuitable Highway safety/ impacts from additional traffic, existing provision insufficient, additional damage to roads, increased traffic Roads adjacent still not yet adopted by PCC Traffic modelling queries, data should be available to the public Impact of DHL ‘permission’ not considered How will emergency vehicles be accommodated? There is not a meaningful bus route for commuters to the railway station or to…”

“23/00400/OUT - EAST OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND OUNDLE ROAD ALWALTON PETERBOROUGH.”

“The Committee considered the report and representations. A motion was proposed and seconded to go with officer recommendation to REFUSE the application due to there being no extenuating circumstances to justify a further extension to the deadline for completion of the section 106 agreement. The Committee RESOLVED unanimously to REFUSE the planning permission.”

“The development would not provide the necessary infrastructure to make it acceptable in planning terms, contrary to Local Plan Policy LP14 and Section 4 of the NPPF.”