Bid to build 110 homes on old Corby Co-op site set for refusal

An application opposed by some residents to build up to 110 homes on a former supermarket site in Corby is set to be turned down.

The application is to build on the former Co-op site in Alexandra Road which has been empty since 2016.

But North Northamptonshire councillors sitting on the Corby Area Planning Committee are being recommended to refuse the plan at a meeting on Monday (June 21).

The application proposal is for outline planning permission for erection of up to 110 dwellings and possibly a coffee shop use with associated car and cycle parking, refuse storage and landscaping.

The proposal also involves the demolition of the existing building within the site.

A report to the committee states four options have been submitted throughout the application period and each option is supported by its own parking, loading and turning arrangements.

The council has received nine letter of objection from residents. The objections include potential over development of the site, increased traffic and parking related impact within the area and potential congestion on George Street.

Further consultation has been carried out with the local plans officer in relation to viability appraisal submitted by the applicant and the independent assessment of the appraisals.

The officer provided the following comments: "The redevelopment of this prominent town centre site for the proposed mix of residential and commercial uses is welcomed, subject to specific policy considerations outlined and in all previous comments, a number of which remain outstanding.

"It is acknowledged the viability of this site is an issue to be considered in determining the precise proportion and tenure mix of the residential units in line with Joint Core Strategy (JCS)Policy 30.

"However, it is considered that the iterative options as presented through the evolution of this application do not fully support efforts to achieve the positive transformation of the town centre as outlined within the Part 2 Local Plan and JCS."

The conclusion section of the report states: "The redevelopment of this site is welcomed in principle.

"However, it is considered that the proposal has failed to comply with the policy requirements, which could undermine efforts to successfully achieve the positive transformation and regeneration of the town centre.

"There are only a finite number of opportunities within the town centre to deliver the type of transformation outlined within Part 2 Local Plan for Corby and the applicant has failed to provide any robust evidence to justify the departures from the development plan."

Sol Buckner, Local Democracy Reporting Service