Demolition of buildings to reduce anti-social behaviour levels to be discussed by Executive

13 January 2026

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will receive a report next week on the proposed demolition of buildings at two sites.

If a report is approved, buildings at both Saunders Close, Kettering and the Lawrence factory site, Desborough are set for demolition following safety and anti-social behaviour concerns.

All of the buildings are currently vacant, with the buildings at Saunders Close being highlighted by the Police as a safety risk. The Lawrence factory is structurally unsound alongside attracting high levels of anti-social behaviour.

The long-term future of both sites is currently being discussed internally by the council, including the potential sale of site(s). With the current level of risk - it is proposed that the demolition process goes ahead now.

Both of these sites have been subject to high levels of anti-social behaviour. This is having an impact on the surrounding areas, alongside the clear safety risks to anyone trespassing on the site, which is why we are looking to take action now.

Whilst we look at the future uses for both sites, we need to make sure these sites are safe in the most cost-effective way possible. In these cases, demolition of the existing buildings is the preferred option, ahead of any redevelopment of the sites.Cllr Ken Harrington, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Assets, Waste and Environmental Services

This report is a prime example of our new corporate plan in action - building safer, stronger and more connected communities.

Sites like this have such a negative impact on the communities they sit within by drawing high levels of anti-social behaviour and we’re committed to doing all we can to reduce this in the short term. But it’s also about looking further ahead and another of our corporate plan aims - prosperity. With this in mind, I look forward to discussing this report with fellow Executive members.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

If demolition is approved, planning permission will be sought before a contractor is appointed - it is hoped that works at both sites would start in summer 2026.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 20 January at 10am at the Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.