Plans to convert warehouse space into flats

The commercial area is in the heart of Crown Street, in Peterborough

Plans have been submitted to demolish and convert commercial buildings, including warehousing, into flats.

Surjit Singh Developments Ltd has applied to Peterborough City Council for full planning permission to convert 80 Crown Street into three one-bedroom flats - and create an adjoining new building at the front for two one-bedroom flats.

The plans also include demolishing warehouses to build six one-bedroom flats on land at 74 to 80 Crown Street.

A design statement by PiP Architects said the shift from commercial to residential use would "establish a more harmonious relationship with the surrounding dwellings, minimising the likelihood of noise, disruption, and environmental impact."

A total of 11 on-site parking bays are proposed, along with three additional visitor bays, which the applicant claimed would eliminate any additional pressure on existing Crown Street parking.

'Sustainable homes'

Previous proposals from the applicant received pushback from Peterborough City Council planners, who said there was an "unjustified loss of employment use".

But the fresh plans state that the applicant would provide a "comprehensive marketing assessment" demonstrating that the site was no longer viable for employment use.

"This includes evidence of an extended marketing period without successful interest and an assessment of alternative employment uses," the plans added.

They also claimed to address design concerns and noted that the applicant would ensure the development integrated "sensitively" into the local streetscape.

The design and access statement concluded: "Ultimately, the new proposal respects the existing, whilst enhancing the local architecture by providing new high-quality, safe and sustainable homes to the neighbourhood."

Peterborough City council is yet to make a decision on the application.