Plans to turn stables into three homes approved

Plans to convert a 19th Century stable building into three new homes on the edge of a national nature reserve have been approved.

Peterborough City Council's planning committee unanimously approved the Church Commissioners for England's application regarding the stable's change of use.

In situ since 1885, the building, at St Johns Farmyard off Kings Cliffe Road near Wansford, is next to the 520-acre Bedford Purlieus National Nature Reserve.

Some objections were raised by a councillor and residents who were concerned of the environmental impact, loss of community facility and "stress" to owners having to rehouse their horses.

Independent councillor for Wittering, Gavin Elsey said it was "entirely disingenuous" for the applicant to state that the stables were out of use, claiming that 16 out of the 18 stables were previously in use but were all the users were evicted following the submission of the planning application.

"I think there is a precedent being set here which is quite dangerous for us as an authority," he told the committee.

Mr Elsey claimed some who were evicted had to go as far as Huntingdon to rehouse their horses and said owners had had told him they were "very distressed".

He felt the redevelopment of the stables would be a loss to the community and there was not sufficient alternative provision nearby to justify it.

One local resident, Sandra Beale argued the application contained a number of legal errors and there was a lack of regard for wildlife.

Seven other objections were lodged by residents, including a 50-page document submitted to the council by a neighbour who raised various concerns around environmental impact, harm of protected species, highway issues and land use.

Case officer Connor Liken noted that a planning judgement deemed the stables were of a commercial use and not community use.

Wildlife officer Rowan Rumball confirmed the proposed development would not result in any new negative impacts on the woodland or any protected species.

Planning permission was granted unanimously.

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