Home / Environment / Stables to homes plan approved near nature reserve
Stables to homes plan approved near nature reserve
14 Dec, 2025
Summary
- 19th-century stables near Bedford Purlieus reserve approved for conversion.
- Concerns raised over environmental impact and community facility loss.
- Council deemed stables commercial, not community, use despite objections.
A 19th-century stable building situated near the Bedford Purlieus National Nature Reserve has received unanimous approval for conversion into three new homes. The Church Commissioners for England's application was granted by Peterborough City Council's planning committee. The stables, located off Kings Cliffe Road near Wansford, have been a fixture since 1885.
Objections were raised by a local councillor and residents, who voiced concerns about potential environmental impacts, the loss of a community facility, and the distress caused to horse owners needing to relocate their animals. Councillor Gavin Elsey argued the stables were previously in use and that evicting users to submit the application was disingenuous.
Despite these objections, the case officer confirmed that planning judgments deemed the stables to be of commercial rather than community use. A wildlife officer also confirmed that the development would not negatively affect the woodland or protected species, leading to the planning committee's unanimous approval.
