Monday 2nd May 2005
Boost for Corby's future as Priors Hall gets the go ahead!

Corby 's future received a boost last night (28 th April) when permission was granted for plans to develop a sustainable expansion of the town at Priors Hall. The Council's decision can be seen as a triumph for Catalyst Corby and its strategy to regenerate the area, and represents a bold move on the part of the local authority to establish Corby as a key area for quality expansion and growth.

The scheme, drawn up by Corby Developments Limited, will bring major benefits to the area including;

• Up to 5,100 high quality homes
• Around 3,500 new jobs
• A comprehensive range of public services including health facilities and primary and secondary schools, including the new Corby Academy designed by Norman Foster & Partners
• A wide range of leisure and community facilities and local shops to serve the new residents
• Over 200 hectares of new parkland, the equivalent of about 230 full size football pitches.
• A comprehensive network of cycle and pedestrian facilities within the new community and new bus services linking the community to the surrounding areas such as Corby town centre.

Last night's decision to grant planning permission was supported by CABE, the Commission of Architecture and Built Environment, who applauded the ambition and vision of the scheme. Commenting on the proposals, CABE said;

"We believe this development framework provides a believable and deliverable vision. It is, in our view, exemplary, and we wish it every success."

Alfred Buller, of Corby Developments Limited, said:

"This is great news for Corby and their ambitious plans for the town. We are delighted that the Council has granted planning permission for the Priors Hall scheme. This is a major step towards delivering new homes, jobs and leisure facilities for Corby . Over two thirds of residents (67%) support the Priors Hall proposals and last night's decision endorses the views of the local community. East Northamptonshire Council is due to make a decision on the application next month when we hope for another positive outcome." 

Chris Mallender, Chief Executive of Corby Borough Council, said:

"Priors Hall is a stunning new community. It will blend the best of town and country living in a development that sets new standards of design, quality and value for money, not just for Corby but the whole of the Government's Sustainable Communities Programme.

"Priors Hall will transform the external image and perception of Corby , spearheading an accelerated period of regrowth and regeneration."

Bob Lane , Chief Executive of Catalyst Corby, said:

"Priors Hall represents  Corby of the future .  It is a key site in the successful delivery of our regeneration programme and is the first of the major housing extensions to be brought forward. The high praise its design has received from CABE sets a quality bench mark for all development in the borough."