Thousands of homes planned for fast-growing city

More than 5,000 homes being built at the Great Haddon development are included in Peterborough's housing targets

More than 1,000 homes will be built every year for the next two decades in and around one of the UK's fastest growing cities, if new proposals are adopted.

Peterborough City Council has published its draft local plan, which outlines how to grow and regenerate the area by the year 2044.

"A complete transformation of the region's energy systems" will also be required, as Peterborough aims to become a "sustainable, net zero carbon city" within 20 years.

Councillors representing the Glinton and Castor wards have opposed plans to create two new settlements next to Market Deeping and Castor and Ailsworth.

Many new homes have been proposed near the village of Ailsworth

About 1,800 homes would be built north of Castor and Ailsworth by 2044 and a further 1,200 after that. The development would also include a country park and a "high quality foot/cycleway" over the A47.

About 1,005 dwellings have also been outlined for land between the A15 and Lincoln Road near Market Deeping.

"We disagree with the premise regarding the suitability for the proposed sites' allocation within our rural ward, north of Castor and Ailsworth in particular," said Neil Boyce and Peter Hillier, who are members of the Peterborough First party.

They will consult local residents and the Protect Rural Peterborough organisation and feed those views back to the council.

Other areas marked for new housing include the East of England Showground and Norwood.

Peterborough City Council wants more people to use transport such as bikes

The draft plan, which covers the city of Peterborough and 25 nearby villages, will be finalised later this year and submitted in January 2026.

It was delayed after the government revised the National Planning Policy in December. Peterborough's previous local plan was amended to increase its housing target, resulting in a total need for 1,006 homes per year.

The council also said its plan would help tackle the climate crisis by introducing new requirements for energy efficiency in buildings and renewable energy generation.

It hoped by 2044 Peterborough would be "a walkable, liveable city", with a shift in travel behaviour towards more people walking and cycling.

"By 2044, Peterborough will be meeting the challenges of climate change," it said.