Future Plans For Desborough’s ‘Jungle’ Discussed Behind Closed Doors

Future plans for a long-standing derelict site in Desborough labelled ‘a jungle’ have been considered behind closed doors.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive discussed the former Lawrence’s shoe factory site a meeting this morning, but the public and press were barred from proceedings due to the ‘commercially sensitive’ nature of the report.

The authority, who own the land off Harborough Road which has stood vacant for over 20 years, had been considering building 40 council homes there, but the increasing costs of the project prompted a review of the idea earlier this year.

The former Lawrence’s factory site
PIC: ANDY CARPENTER

A council spokesperson told HFM: “An exempt item on the 8 June Executive agenda will look at surplus and underutilised assets, which includes the former Lawrence’s factory site, and their future, potential uses.

“Due to the commercially sensitive nature of the report, we cannot say anymore at this stage.”

The plan for the new homes had previously been put on hold after Aldi expressed interest in building a supermarket on the site, before pulling out of talks with the council.

HFM has requested the council issues a statement on the outcome of today’s meeting.