Plans submitted for new Sikh temple in Kettering

The temple, at 91-95 Rockingham Road, would be built on a site which has been vacant since it was prepared for redevelopment, having previously been used for houses up until 2009.

A previous landowner had cleared the housing and had applied for planning approval to build a care home, but the site is still vacant and awaiting a new building.

If approved, the temple would also have a car park to the rear which would hold up to 36 cars.

It will be used for community care and religious purposes, as well as weddings and festivals.

The application reads: “After Kettering’s Sikh community became established in the town, they were able to buy the old Co-Op Bank premises at the corner of Crown Street and King Street.

“As the Sikh community has grown, and wanting room particularly for major events, which included religious festivals and weddings, the community have now become owners of a site in Rockingham Road to build a purpose-designed temple.

“The temple building would be positioned at the front of the site, facing Rockingham Road.

“It is important that the building has a distinctive character, and the proposed building will have that.”

The plans are in the consultation stage with those wishing to put forward their views having until March 14 to do so.

A decision on the plans is expected by May 20.