The building has become a centre for vandalism, as it’s covered in graffiti and windows are boarded up
“Fed up” residents are demanding answers over the future of a derelict building that has been left as an “eyesore” for 19 years. Bretton Court along Flaxlands in Bretton, Peterborough, has been left in disrepair for nearly 20 years.
Once the home of The Roundhead Pub and offices, the building has since been a centre of vandalism, with boarded up windows and graffiti covering it. Nearby residents have seen the building get into a worse state over the years.
They are “fed up” with nothing being done with it, and are demanding answers from its owners. Residents John Hopkins, Alan Gasparutti, Carol Strong and Jo Parker are some of these residents.
“We are all ashamed of it – it’s been like that for a long time and nothing is being done about it,” said Carol. She added: “It looks terrible.”
John, who has lived in Bretton since he was a child, and Alan feel the state of the building will put off people moving to the area. John said: “I know people that have moved away because they feel the community feel is gone [in Bretton]. Buses go past this building and it’s the first thing you see. What do those people think of it?”
Alan said: “The building has been derelict for 19 years. It’s so big, but nothing has been done with it. We don’t want an eyesore here. If anyone goes near there, it will put them off.”
Jo has lived in Bretton since the 1970s. The former art teacher said the “heart of the community has been ripped out” since it has been left in disrepair. She added: “When I moved here, it [Bretton Court] was a place for everyone.
“The pub used to have a gallery, but they didn’t replace it with anything. It feels like Bretton has been left behind. It used to be a great community.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said the building is a “disappointing sight”.
They added: “Nothing is being done about it. If it’s not better taken care of, it’s just going to get worse. The barbed wire around it looks like a prison right in front of our houses.”
Several planning applications have been submitted to Peterborough City Council for the building, including conversion of the former pub into shops and offices. These were permitted, but no work has taken place.
John, Jo, Alan and Carol would like to see Bretton Court put to better use. Carole wants the building to be turned into “something for the community” and “something to bring people in”.
She added: “We are just fed up. We want something sorted, but there are always excuses.”
John would like the building to be used for something to improve the nearby health centre, as well as something for the “future generation”.
Jo would like to see it be used for art. She said: “Coming from the world of arts, it could be an art and crafts centre, a dance studio, something to do with music and an art gallery. There is a lot of potential there.”
The building is operated by Medesham Homes, which is a joint venture created by Peterborough City Council and Cross Keys Homes in 2016. Cross Keys Homes has been seeking to dissolve its partnership with Medesham Homes.
The residents feel “fobbed off” by the council, and want some answers over the building’s future. John said: “We want conversations with them. We want to know what is going on, and maybe some input. If they have plans, let us know what is going on.”
Councillor Mohammed Jamil, cabinet member for finance and corporate governance at the council, said he is aware of residents’ concerns.
Cllr Jamil said: “We are fully aware of the issues concerning Bretton Court, including the impact this may be having on nearby residents, and are actively working with Cross Keys Homes to resolve the long-term future of the site as part of our interest in Medesham Homes Ltd.
“We are working to agree terms, and conclude discussions with Cross Keys Homes as soon as possible. Following this it is anticipated that the site will eventually be refurbished or redeveloped.”
A Cross Keys Homes spokesperson said: “We appreciate, and share, the frustration of local residents regarding the ongoing issues at Bretton Court. We have been looking to dissolve the Medesham Homes partnership for several years now since it was clear that Peterborough City Council didn’t want to keep investing in the joint venture.
“We have made several offers to them and are still waiting for the council’s response with draft heads of agreement on our most recent offer made in August 2025. Unfortunately, without a response, it is impossible for Cross Keys Homes to move forward and realise the positive benefits of the site regardless of which partner takes it over.”
Medesham Homes have been contacted for further comment.