A petition of almost 900 signatures calling for a parade of shops in East Barnwell to be protected has been submitted to Cambridge City Council.
A further 27 objections – along with three supportive comments – have also been submitted against plans to redevelop land near the Newmarket Road and Barnwell Road roundabout.
A planning application has been submitted for 120 homes, along with a new library and pre-school facilities as well as commercial premises, across two sites near the roundabout.
The scheme is being developed by the landowners, Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council. It will be delivered by the Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP), the joint venture between the city council and housebuilder Hill.
The petition, which was conducted over a three-month period and gathered 887 signatures, was launched by the family-run Spar store in Barnwell Road.
The owners fear that they will “lose everything” if the proposals go ahead.
One person, who signed the petition, said: “More flats isn’t the answer to solving the housing issue in an area where local amenities are severely lacking.”
Another added: “The Spar shop is at the heart of the East Barnwell community and provides an invaluable local service for this area.
“Provisions must be made to ensure that all the businesses can continue trading during the redevelopment – local shops are needed for local people.”
“The local residents of Barnwell need to be heard... the Spar is an essential part of the community,” another added.
The council says the new development will provide “much-needed affordable homes” as well as “new community, library and pre-school facilities”.
But the businesses say they will not be provided with temporary premises during the construction works, which could take more than a year-and-a-half. The council says it is exploring potential options for delivering temporary facilities.
Cllr Gerri Bird, executive city councillor for housing and homelessness, said previously: “We’ve consulted with affected residents and businesses and will continue to communicate and take people’s concerns into account in the coming months.
“We’re really proud of our good track record of supporting those who are impacted by regeneration schemes like this.”
