The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
‘We’re full up’ Say Villagers
Parents vented their frustration at plans for 250 new homes in Eye by protesting outside the village’s primary school on Monday. Placards stating that the school and local doctor’s surgery are full were held upduring the morning rush, with many parents agreeing with the sentiments.
The plans for new homes were included in Peterborough City Council’s draft local plan which runs until 2036.
Vicky Thompson-Chambers, whose children Luke (9) and Ruth (6) attend the school, moved to Eye eight years ago.
She said: “I wanted my children to experience village life where it’s safe and the school is fairly small, but now it’s becoming bigger and bigger. It’s becoming like living in at own.
“The doctor’s surgery is full - you can’t get any appointments. And the school is full. To accommodate more people we would have to get rid of children’s play areas.”
The draft local plan was sent out to consultation by the council’s cabinet on Monday.
Speaking at the meeting was Eye resident Dale McKean. He said in 2011 when the last local plan was drawn up, the number of houses planned for Eye was reduced from 305 to 185 after strong objections from residents.
Dale added: “The villagers clearly do not want any more growth. Ward councillor for Eye Cllr Steve Allen said: “Eye has had its fair share over the years.”
Cllr Peter Hiller, whose portfolio covers planning and housing, warned that without a local plan the door was open for “predatory developers” to put in planning applications.