Derelict pub could be turned into flats and dentist

The White Horse has been vacant for 15 years

A derelict pub on a busy road junction could be converted into a dental practice and flats under plans submitted to a council.

Applicant 765 Investments wanted to turn The White Horse, on Harborough Road in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, into three, one-bedroom flats with a ground floor dental surgery.

The venue has been vacant for 15 years.

It would bring "significant social and economic benefits to the local community," planning documents on the West Northamptonshire Council's website said.

As well as the pub, the applicant also proposed turning the vacant print shop next door into an emergency dental clinic for the area.

The pub has been attacked by vandals and is boarded up

No parking was proposed for the residential properties, but seven spaces have been highlighted for dental staff and patients.

In total, 14 members of staff would be employed by the practice, including three dentists and five dental nurses, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The White Horse signs remained for several years but have now disappeared

Planning papers said the dedicated emergency dental clinic would provide an out-of-hours service to reduce the strain on A&E.

It also added that the apartments would contribute to the council's housing stock, whilst bringing a vacant building back into use.

West Northamptonshire Council has set a target decision date of 31 July for the plans.