Homes plan for notorious Corby pub site

The Pluto pub in Gainsborough Road, Corby, shut down 12 years ago after a series of violent and drug-related incidents including a late-night police raid.

It was later demolished and a variety of applications have since been submitted for the site, although none have ever come to fruition.

Now a new application for 21 two-bedroomed homes looks set to be rubber-stamped by planners at Corby Council.

It was first submitted in 2015 but has been delayed because of a boundary dispute, highways issues and worries over flooding.

A design and access statement submitted to planners by the applicants, Essex-based Gainsborough Park Developments, says: “There is a parking space for each resident together with three visitors’ spaces.

“All the houses have private gardens.

“The adjoining open parkland to the south boundary provides exceptional access to recreational space.

“The two-bedroom house provides for a very flexible unit in that it serves as a starter home, small family unit, individual unit, downsizing and retirement.”

The Pluto pub was named in memory of the people who worked on the Pipeline Under the Ocean, or PLUTO, which was developed at Corby Steelworks during the second world war.

It eventually became a magnet for drug users and in 2003 four drugs arrests were made following a police raid on the premises.

In a report to Corby councillors, who will consider the application at next week’s development control committee meeting, planning officer Mitesh Rathod says: “It has been acknowledged that a considerable amount of time has elapsed during which the site has remained undeveloped.

“In the intervening period, the site has been subject to flytipping, vandalism and other forms of antisocial behaviour. Furthermore, it is unlikely that the site would be returned to its former use.”

The developers will have to pay £34,000 to Northamptonshire County Council as a contribution to local education. It is also a condition of planning permission that 15 per cent of the houses are classed as affordable homes.

You can read about and comment on the planning application here