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City councils

Showground Development Plans Refused by Peterborough City Council Committee

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Members of Peterborough City Council's planning committee have voted unanimously to reject two outline planning applications for the development of the East of England Showground. The refusal follows a disagreement between the Showground owner, the East of England Agricultural Society (EEAS), and its land promoter AEPG, over the signing of a Section 106 agreement, which is necessary for the development to proceed. The agreement involves a commitment to provide 30% of the housing as affordable homes and about £20 million worth of health, education, and community commitments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The East of England Agricultural Society (EEAS) and AEPG, the land promoter, have been at odds over the signing of a Section 106 agreement.
  • The Section 106 agreement is necessary for the development to proceed and involves a commitment to provide 30% of the housing as affordable homes and about £20 million worth of health, education, and community commitments.
  • Councillors agreed that without the Section 106 agreement, they could not approve the proposals.
  • Ashley Butterfield, chief executive of AEPG, expressed regret over the disagreement and acknowledged the importance of community involvement in the development process.
  • A spokesperson for the EEAS stated that the charity's trustees cannot sign up to an agreement that does not satisfy the Charities Act, which demands best value.
  • Councillor Peter Hiller proposed the motion to refuse the applications, citing the disagreement over the Section 106 agreement as the primary issue.
  • Residents and councillors emphasized the need for any future development of the Showground to take into account the wishes of residents regarding traffic restrictions, community spaces, and leisure facilities.

Statistics:

  • 25-year lease on the 50-acre site held by AEPG.
  • £20 million worth of health, education, and community commitments promised through the Section 106 agreement.
  • 30% of the housing to be provided as affordable homes as part of the Section 106 agreement.

Sources:

  • The Peterborough Telegraph
  • AEPG's website
  • The East of England Agricultural Society's website

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