Objections to Quays plans

The Peterborough Civic Society has claimed the plans to transform Whitworth Mill into an arts centre, and build a new 160-room hotel in the Fletton Quays development would be out of character - and called for the current planning application to be rejected.

However, councillor Peter Hiller, Peterborough City Council cabinet member for growth, planning, housing and economic development, said the plans were vital for the growth of the development and the city.

Ken Mehmed, from the Civic Society, said: “The Civic Society fully supports the principle of both these proposals but has serious reservations about some aspects of the detailed designs which are of vital importance to the impact these buildings will make to the image of the city.”

He said problems with the plans for Whitworth Mill involved the lobby/stairwell extension on the west side of the building. He said: “It is this west elevation, with its twin pediments which establishes the image and architectural character of the mill.

He added: “The twin gable silhouette will be lost, to be replaced by a plain vertically ribbed metal clad tower.”

Mr Mehmed also said the design of the Hilton Hotel would lead to ‘a massive lump of a building.’

But, Cllr Hiller said the council had to take more into account than just the looks of the buildings. He said: “Whilst we fully respect the Civic Society’s views, we have to look at the site not only with an aesthetic view, but also from a commercial point of view.”

Cllr Peter Hiller