Approval given for redevelopment of former Peacocks store

Approval has been granted for the redevelopment of a long-vacant retail unit in the centre of the city.

Mohammed Billal of Gujjar Investments Limited submitted an application to Peterborough City Council seeking permission to install three new shopfronts at the former Peacocks premises on Bridge Street, which ceased trading in August.

The proposal outlines a redesign of the layout, creating two shopfronts facing Bridge Street and a third entrance at the rear of the building on St Peters Road. Planning reports noted that this addition is expected to improve the appearance of the back of the property, transforming an inactive and uninviting area into a more vibrant and supervised space.

The development aims to maintain the commercial character of Bridge Street and the surrounding Conservation Area, aligning with the shift toward smaller retail units. Plans also include new windows and minor internal reconfiguration.

No objections were raised during the consultation period. A council officer stated that the scale and style of the proposed changes are suitable, do not harm the visual integrity of the site or its surroundings, and will move forward under conditions regarding material use.

Construction must commence within three years from the date planning approval was issued.

Author: Benjamin Carter