Plans to develop on golf course near Corby approved despite parish council objection
An application to build a boathouse, tennis court, manege and equestrian stables on a former golf course near Corby has been approved.
Land formerly occupied by Stoke Albany Golf Club, which sits between Market Harborough and Corby, has been given the go-ahead after plans were submitted in March last year.
North Northants Council approved the decision yesterday (May 13), meaning the site that sits six miles from the centre of Corby has been given the go-ahead to be redeveloped, with plans for the the eastern corner of the site including an equestrian field, tennis court and boathouse built on a lake which was once part of the course.
A planning document reads: “The proposed developments are to improve the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse and provide equestrian facilities.
“The proposed developments are considered relatively minor in scale and have been sensitively designed in terms of scale, massing and appearance to ensure they have minimal impact on the openness and character of the countryside.
"All proposals are within close proximity to the dwelling, ensuring the proposals are contained and well related to the existing dwelling.
"There are a number of compelling benefits associated with the proposal. In relation to environmental benefits proposed, works include additional naturalised landscaping in place of that associated with its former use as a golf club, helping to provide a total of 21.45 per cent biodiversity net gain.
"Economic benefits include growth to the local economy linked to construction activity, and that associated with the future local residents of the property.”
Stoke Albany Golf Club opened its 18-hole course in April 1995, however in 2019 went into liquidation, just short of its 25th anniversary due to financial difficulties.
Currently, the golf course’s clubhouse is part used as residential dwelling, with the remaining part consisting of a vacated office unit.
Stoke Albany Parish Council objected to the application on the grounds that it would ‘result in the loss of agricultural land in open countryside’ and is ‘not at all persuaded that there is a case to repurpose such land to become an adjunct to the proposed dwelling.’
The parish council also noted that the south-west corner of the proposed manege (arena used for training horses) sits on a public right of way, causing conflict with the accessibility of the nearby footpath.
The full application and relevant documents can be found online here or via North Northants Council’s planning portal by searching with the reference NK/2025/0186.