‘City centre homes boost economy’

More homes in the centre of Peterborough will benefit the city, according to Steve Cox. He said increasing the number of people living centrally will help to boost the economy, although he admitted that new rules pose a “risk” over the quality of housing.

Earlier this year the Government expanded permitted development rights. This allowed for offices to be demolished and replaced with homes, a two-storey upward extension of homes built post-war and the creation of new homes above existing terraces, offices and shops, all without needing planning permission.

This has led to concerns about a build-up of poor quality accommodation, a fact Mr Cox recognised, but he said the increase in homes will be a good thing for the city. He said: “It’s definitely a benefit. It was happening anyway with town centres changing in their appearance because of different shopping habits. Planning changes are enabling more residential use. That’s the right thing because you want more people living in city centres who are able to spend money and bring vitality.

“We would want to make sure we’re not ending up with poor quality housing or small space standards. Without being able to influence that through the planning process it’s difficult to require that.

“But I think the expectation of what will sell in Peterborough is high. We want high quality. I don’t think you will find developers trying to build something that’s not going to be attractive.’’

A number of city centre homes plans have been approved in recent years, in particular Broadway, where flats are planned for the council’s former offices at Bayard Place and the former job centre. Moreover, the Government is trying to introduce further reforms which would include an annual housing target with councils given their own quotas to meet. If approved by Parliament, this would see the number of new homes needed in Peterborough on average increase from 982 to 1,282 a year.