Go-ahead for former Rushden shoe factory to be turned into flats

Westleigh Developments Ltd had previously secured planning permission to turn the Grade II listed building on the corner of Upper Queen Street and Cromwell Road in Rushden into 16 flats in 2014.

However, the plans were revised to reduce the number of flats to 14 so an en-suite could be added to each and this new application has been approved subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.

The site used to be occupied by Grensons until the firm moved out to new modern premises at Crown Park in the town in 2013.

Grensons was one of many firms from the footwear industry which played a huge role in Rushden’s growth, with more than 100 boot and shoe factories in the town in the mid-1900s.

The firm is now in its 150th year and sells shoes all over the world.

The revised plans were approved by East Northants Council’s planning management committee at a meeting last night.

Once the conversion is completed, the flats will be for sale on the open market.