Fresh plans submitted to turn derelict listed leatherworks building in Northampton into flats

Fresh plans have been submitted to convert a derelict listed leather works building in Northampton into 26 flats.

A new application has been submitted to the Guildhall to alter plans to extend part of the Pearce Leather Works building, in Wellingborough Road.

This time, Clayson Country Homes is looking to convert the building into 26 flats, which would be comprised of 18 one-bed flats and eight two-bed homes. There would also be 48 car parking spaces on site.

The previous application submitted in December last year planned to build 28 flats on the location, but this was revised by Clayson Country Homes.

And before that, back in January 2020, Clayson Country Homes proposed to alter and extend the offices into 20 apartments, but that plan was also tweaked.

The latest planning papers say: "The proposed development comprises of the conversion and extension of an existing listed building to create 26 apartments.

"All apartments are proposed as market dwellings with no affordable units provided. Due to the costs involved in restoring this listed building, it is not viable to provide affordable units.

"It has also been considered that any negative impacts to the historic integrity of the listed building are outweighed by the public benefits of renovating a deteriorating listed building and providing additional housing."

The art deco-styled office was used for over 60 years and the original factory that stood behind it was demolished for housing in 2010.

The building has has been the target of vandalism since 2002.

The Pearce Leatherworks was built in 1939 and was used for the production of leather until 2001. In 2001 leather production ceased, and the buildings have remained predominantly empty since 2002.