A reminder…have your say!
Dear Resident,
We have been overwhelmed with your response so far. There is still time to complete this if you want to or know anyone who has not yet responded.
Deeping Gate is a unique place to live. From our historic ‘Packhorse’ bridge by the Bell pub and quiet rural views to our rare wildlife and river walks, there is much to value. However, as our region grows, our village faces new challenges and opportunities regarding housing, traffic, and the environment.
The Peterborough City Council (PCC) Draft Local Plan and its proposal for a ‘New Settlement’ of 1,050 homes in Deeping Gate has caused lots of discussion locally. For perspective, Deeping Gate currently has 209 homes, and Market Deeping and Deeping St James combined have around 6,100 homes. The other factor to consider is that Deeping Gate lies within Cambridgeshire and under PCC. Whilst Market Deeping and Deeping St James both lie within Lincolnshire and under South Kesteven District Council (SKDC). SKDC Draft Local Plan proposes an additional 2,000 homes for Market Deeping and Deeping St James. This will make a combined collection of housing growing from 6,300 to 9,300 as a result of both proposals, nearly a 50% growth.
We are writing to invite you to take part in the Deeping Gate Neighbourhood Plan Survey and your Parish Council support creating a Neighbourhood Plan.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan? It’s a document that allows local communities to create a shared vision for their area and shape the development and growth of their local neighbourhood. You can read more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/neighbourhood-planning–2
Why should you fill this out? Unlike a standard local survey, a Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document. Once completed and adopted, it must be taken into account by PCC when they make decisions on planning applications in our parish. This is your chance to set the “rules” for what gets built, what gets protected, and how our infrastructure should be improved. Whilst a Neighbourhood Plan cannot change Local Plans which are already underway, it will shape future Local Plans by its legal status.
Your views matter because:
- Housing: You can influence where new homes go and what they should look like.
- Environment: You can help protect our green spaces, verges, and the habitats of our local wildlife.
Identity: You can have your say on how Deeping Gate remains a distinct community.
How to complete the survey:
- Online: If you prefer to complete this digitally, please visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/dYWymQ4zaq
- Paper Copy: Every household will receive a printed copy with a pre-addressed envelope to Northborough & Deeping Gate Village Hall, Cromwell Close, Northborough, PE6 9DP. Or you can scan it or take clear photographs and email to clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk
- Deadline: Please return all responses by 30 April 2026
- Each resident can respond individually (it’s not one response per household!). If you want extra copies, or large print, please contact clerk@deepinggate-pc.gov.uk
We ask for your name and address – this is because to be a valid response, it must be from a person who lives, works or conducts a business within the area of the Neighbourhood Plan. If you want to sign up for the Deeping Gate Parish Council newsletter, you can provide us with your email address, and we will keep you informed of progress on the Neighbourhood Plan this way.
Thank you for your time and for helping us protect and enhance the character of Deeping Gate for years to come.
Warm regards,
Deeping Gate Parish Council