Homes Plan For Derelict Factory Site Back On
Written by HFM News on 2nd September 2022
The plan for new homes on the former Lawrence’s factory site in Desborough is back on after Aldi ruled out building a store there.
The idea was put on hold when the discount retailer expressed interest in the derelict site, but now North Northamptonshire Council, who own it, say proposals are being worked on again.
Around 40 homes could go up as part of a project costing about £9.5m, which would still retain the old factory building, a move supported by Historic England.
Artist’s impression of how the development could look Pic: Corporate Architecture
A report recommending the housing plan, first proposed by the former Kettering Borough Council, is set to be considered in a few months’ time.
It is understood some funding for it is in place, including from government-body Homes England.
Cllr Matt Binley, Executive Member for Housing, Communities and Levelling Up at North Northamponshire Council, who own the site, told HFM: “Plans for housing were paused whilst the potential for a supermarket on the site were fully explored.
“This has now concluded and the work to develop proposals for a council housing development has recommenced.
“It is anticipated that a report on the project will be presented to the Executive for further approval in the Autumn.”
The former factory shoe site has been derelict for over 20 years – Tesco abandoned plans to develop it in 2014, before Desborough Community Development Trust (DCDT) won a £10,000 grant to assess options for refurbishing the site as part of a revitalised town centre.
