A major step towards delivering the new passenger rail service for Corby was taken on 3 August 2007, when North Northants Development Company (NNDC) and English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, submitted a detailed planning application for the town’s new train station to Corby Borough Council.
 
The application has been made just six weeks after the announcement by the Department for Transport on 22 June 2007 that Corby was to be included in the new East Midlands rail franchise, confirming the intention of NNDC, English Partnerships and Network Rail to move ahead quickly with plans for an opening of the new station in December 2008.
 
The application details how the new station will look, means of access by foot, cycle and car and how the site layout will provide parking for around 140 cars and facilities for other forms of transport including a taxi rank and bus interchange.
 
To give local residents and businesses a further opportunity to examine plans for the new station, NNDC will be hosting a three-week exhibition at its offices at 1 Exchange Court, Cottingham Road, Corby from Monday 6 August to Friday 24 August 2007. Members of NNDC and English Partnerships staff will be on hand to answer questions where possible and feedback forms will be available for visitors to the exhibition to submit their comments.
 
As usual, the planning application can be viewed at the offices of Corby Borough Council or via its website (www.corby.gov.uk <http://www.corby.gov.uk/> ).
 
Bob Lane, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company, said:“Corby has waited far too long for the return of the train, so we are determined that no more time is wasted in getting the service up and running. The development of the transport interchange will have a major impact on lives of people living and working in Corby and we will continue to work closely with English Partnerships to ensure a first-class scheme is delivered on time.”
 
Richard Harrington, Area Director for English Partnerships said, “English Partnerships is excited about the challenge of providing a railway station and transport interchange of the highest quality and innovative design. The station will be delivered within a tight time frame to ensure maximum benefit to the town. The station will have dramatic positive influence over the regeneration of Corby, bringing with it numerous social and economic benefits.”