We propose that future planning decisions treat Corby and the surrounding villages and parishes of Weldon, Stanion, Little Stanion, Rockingham, Gretton, Cottingham, Middleton, East Carlton, Rushton, Geddington, Newton and Little Oakley, Deene and Deenethorpe as a single Greater Corby Growth Area. This does not require local government reorganisation. It requires North Northamptonshire Council to plan, fund, and consult on infrastructure across this footprint as a coherent whole, and it requires Corby, through its North Northamptonshire councillors, Town Councillors, Parish Councillors, its MP and its community organisations to work together as a constituted partnership.

1.1 Principles

• Growth and infrastructure must work hand-in-hand. When further large strategic housing allocations are granted permission, matching commitments to GPs, school places, and roads should be secured through Section 106 or the Community Infrastructure Levy.
• Brownfield first. Underused parcels around the industrial estates, including low-density car storage land, but not the Rockingham Speedway site, which is in active employment use (Section 3.2).
• Green space between settlements preserved through firm green wedges.
• Sustainable transport hierarchy. Walking, cycling, public transport, then private car. Every new development of more than 50 homes must demonstrate this hierarchy in its travel plan.
• Net zero by 2045. All new homes in the Greater Corby Growth Area should meet the Future Homes Standard now with solar PV, heat pumps, and EV charging as default rather than waiting for the date on which legislation makes it compulsory. Every home built to yesterday's standard is a retrofit bill for tomorrow.
• Democratic accountability at the right tier. Strategic decisions sit with North Northamptonshire Council, but they should be taken with Corby's neighbourhoods in the room through Neighbourhood Wards that match the communities people recognise (Section 2.3).

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